The Scottish Government is forging ahead with controversial plans to legalise gay marriage, despite fierce opposition from faith groups.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the move on Wednesday despite nearly two-thirds of the responses to a public consultation on same-sex marriage being opposed to it.
Religious groups, including the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church and Muslim groups in Scotland, remain opposed to the plans, which have been welcomed by other political parties and a range of civic groups.
Currently, gay and lesbian couples can enter into a civil partnership. Although this gives them the same legal rights as a marriage, the ceremony cannot take place in a church or other religious building.
Campaigners calling for the legalisation of gay marriage say this restriction is a form of discrimination.
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would introduce legislation to allow members of the same sex to marry, but would work with the UK government to amend equality laws to protect churches from having to officiate at those unions unwillingly.
She said: ”The Scottish Government understands and respects the fact that there are very deeply held views in Scotland both for and against same-sex marriage.
”In coming to our decision, we have had to carefully consider a number of different factors. We are committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships. We believe this is the right thing to do. ”See further coverage in Wednesday’s CourierA draft bill will be published later in this year and legislation introduced in 2013. It means the first ceremonies will not take place until 2015 at the earliest.
Both Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie pledged their support for the legalisation plans.
However, former SNP leader Gordon Wilson had warned legalising gay marriage could derail the campaign for independence by alienating voters.
But Dundee City West SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick, who is gay, said he believes the bill is a step forward for Scotland.
He said: ”As well as allowing same-sex couples to marry, the bill will remove the ban on those religious organisations who want to hold same-sex weddings.
”Crucially, the proposal will protect those churches who do not want to solemnise same-sex marriages. I think most people will find that acceptable.
”I understand some religious leaders remain concerned human rights legislation could be used to force churches to conduct same-sex marriages against their will. That has never happened in any of the many legislatures that have already introduced marriage equality, but I would hope those churches which remain concerned will work with the Parliament to find a mechanism which provides the reassurances they require.”
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland said: ”The Scottish Government is embarking on a dangerous social experiment on a massive scale. We strongly suspect time will show the Church to have been completely correct in explaining that same-sex sexual relationships are detrimental to any love expressed within profound friendships.”
Rev Alan Hamilton, convener of the Church of Scotland Legal Questions Committee, said: ”Unless our General Assembly decides otherwise, we cannot support the Government’s proposals on celebrating civil partnerships or same-sex marriage.
“We are acutely aware opinions differ among our own members and many people are anxious and hurt in the current situation. We believe homophobia to be sinful and reaffirm our strong pastoral commitment to all people in Scotland, regardless of sexual orientation or beliefs.”
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