Scottish Catholic Observer

As part of its controversial proposed legislation to introduce same-sex ‘marriages,’ which has been vehemently opposed by the Catholic Church, the Scottish Government also wants to create a third category of marriage, called ‘belief’ marriages.

In Scotland, there are currently two types of marriage, civil and religious. The new category is set out in the government’s consultation paper on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.

Since June 2005, celebrants belonging to the Humanist Society of Scotland have been authorised on a temporary basis to solemnise marriage.

Such marriages have been classed as ‘religious’ under marriage law, despite the beliefs of such organisations being non-religious, a situation that the government’s draft bill aims to alter.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government explained more about the proposed changes.

“The Scottish Government is 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,” the spokeswoman said. “Humanist weddings are currently classed as religious. However, our current consultation on same-sex marriage proposes the establishment of a new form of marriage ceremony called ‘belief,’ which would cover humanists.”

The Humanist Society Scotland is in favour of introducing same-sex ‘marriage’ while the Catholic Church is opposed to it.