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Irish Wedding News

04/02/2014

Vote Expected On Scottish Marriage Bill

The Scottish Parliament is expected to vote tonight (4 February) on the future of same-sex marriage in Scotland.

It is thought that the laws will be approved, which could mean gay marriages could take place as early as the autumn.

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil said: "It is right that same sex couples should be able to freely express their commitment to each other through getting married. We have always maintained at the heart of this issue there is one simple fact, a marriage is about love.

"All couples in Scotland in a loving relationship must know that they have the same rights and responsibilities, and regardless of their gender, the same opportunity to get married.

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"Throughout this bill, we've taken account of those faiths who would not wish to take part in same sex marriage, and the Bill fully recognises and protects celebrants who do not wish to take part."

However, the issue of same-sex marriage has proved controversial, and while the Scottish Government has said the move is the right thing to do, two of the country's main religious organisations is against changing the law. The Scottish Catholic Church and Church of Scotland have repeatedly said they have no plans to conduct same-sex marriages.

Under the new legislation, religious and belief organisations would "opt-in" to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies, and MSPs have stressed that no religious community would be forced to hold such ceremonies in their churches. Campaign group, Scotland for Marriage, said the safeguards put in place with regards to the Bill did not go far enough to protect those opposed to the new legislation.

(JP/CD)

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"The Scottish Parliament is expected to vote tonight (4 February) on the future of same-sex marriage in Scotland."