Letter: Gay consensus

Published on Monday 8 August 2011 17:07

THE most striking aspect of the debate on same-sex marriage is the breadth of agreement on the key points. Even John Mason MSP says he is "perfectly relaxed about gay marriage", but he fears that a church might be taken to court for refusing to conduct them.

All those who support same-sex marriage, from equality groups like us, to the religious bodies that want to conduct them, to the many politicians who have spoken in favour - including the First Minister - agree on this. All religious bodies should be free to choose for themselves whether or not to conduct same-sex marriages.

Religious activity is exempted from the UK's sexual orientation discrimination laws. There is no way that a church could be sued for refusing to marry a same-sex couple, and that will not change.

With this level of consensus, it seems that legislation to allow same-sex marriage, while allowing religious bodies the freedom to decide whether or not to conduct them, would command a significant majority in the Scottish Parliament.

Tim Hopkins

Equality Network

Bernard St

Edinburgh