During his time at Stonewall, Summerskill frequently attracted controversy over the organisation's decision not to support equal marriage. In a departure from many others in the LGBT rights movement, Summerskill also voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage while serving as Stonewall's chief executive. Speaking at the 2010 Liberal Democrat conference, Summerskill suggested "lots" of gay people didn't want same-sex marriage to be legal. The event was attended by Lynne Featherstone, the minister for equality; Evan Harris, president of Liberal Democrat LGBT group DELGA; and Liberal Democrat MP Steve Gilbert, all of whom questioned Summerskill's comments. A poll commissioned by LGBT outlet "PinkNews" found 98% in support of marriage equality.