Scottish Catholic Observer

Labour’s Johann Lamont, Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives, Willie Rennie of the Liberal Democrats and the Greens’ Patrick Harvie (all above) all signed a declaration saying that they would ‘campaign to beat the ban on same sex marriage’ on Tuesday night despite unprecedented opposition to any change in the law, led by the Catholic Church.

John Deighan, parliamentary officer for the Scottish bishops, said Scotland deserved more from its political leaders.

“It is disappointing that party leaders have been so cavalier in joining the bandwagon for redefining marriage,” he said. “We deserve a more reflective approach from those in a position of political leadership.”

Mr Deighan went on to say the political consensus on gay marriage was impacting negatively on freedom of speech.

“Marriage is essentially linked with recognising and supporting the roles of mother and father, so there is a lack of real tolerance when that view is sweepingly likened to a form of discrimination or bigotry,” he said.

“This is of course an attempt to win a political position by intimidation rather than by coherence of argument. Mature democracy requires an ability to sympathetically understand the views of others but sadly that is greatly lacking in the rhetoric bandied about in this campaign.

“It is therefore a troubling sign for the health of democracy in Scotland.”

The four political leaders made their same-sex marriage pledge at an event in the Scottish Parliament organised by the Equality Network. The four leaders carried out a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony before MSPs of all parties attended an evening reception co-sponsored by the openly gay SNP MSP Joe Fitzpatrick.

SNP ministers did not sign the declaration because the Scottish Government is currently engaged in a consultation on the issue but it but Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously indicated her support for gay marriage.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the government’s recommendations would be expected in due course.

“While we have already made clear the government’s initial view in support of same-sex ‘marriage,’ it would be inappropriate for a government minister to sign any pledge on this matter while the analysis of the consultation is ongoing,” she said. “We expect to publish the analysis in the spring.”

—ian@sconews.co.uk