Scottish Catholic Observer

A bill changing the legal definition of marriage in Scotland to accommodate same-sex couples was passed by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament tonight in spite of opposition from the Church and many others.

MSPs voted by 105 to 18 in favour of the Scottish Government’s Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.

SNP Ministers said the religious community will not be forced to hold such ceremonies in churches but they can decide to opt into perform same-sex ‘marriages.’ Proposed amendments during the bill’s passage to protect religious freedom and faith education failed.

The SNP’s John Mason tabled an amendment stating that no-one could be ‘compelled by any means to solemnise gay ‘marriage,’ including by a contract or a legal requirement but Health Secretary Alex Neil insisted there were ‘robust protections for religious bodies and celebrants’ in the bill and the amendment was unnecessary. Further amendments by Mr Mason were also rejected and opponents to changing the legal definition of marriage fear test cases will push the limits of the law to persecute those who have a moral or religious objection to it.

The Catholic Church has spearheaded opposition to the Scottish Government’s plans to redefine marriage within and outwith the Scotland for Marriage coalition. Prior to the vote, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen petitioned all the MSPs in his diocese to protect God’s law: the traditional union between a man and a woman to have children.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill will now go to the Queen for Royal assent and the first same-sex ‘marriages’ could be held in Scotland as early as the end of July.