Same-sex marriage: People have their say in record numbers

Published on 26/07/2012 00:00

A RECORD 77,508 people responded to the consultation on same-sex marriage – the biggest reaction to any proposed law change since the Scottish Parliament was created 13 years ago.

About 81 per cent – 62,057 – came from people in Scotland. Two-thirds – 39,700 – were against the change, with 36 per cent in favour.

This followed a drive among religious bodies to mobilise congregations. Many of the responses came in the form of postcards and petitions.

The SNP government says if only the responses on formal consultation forms, along with prepared letters, are considered, the results are reversed, with 65 per cent in favour and 35 per cent against. Opinion polls indicate most Scots back same-sex marriage.

The consultation reflected the polarised debate across Scotland.

“Few respondents had mixed or nuanced views on the subject, with the majority coming down firmly on one side of the argument or the other,” an official analysis found.

But an overhelming majority of those reponding – about 93 per cent – said individual ministers should not be forced to take part in ceremonies against their will.

The previous record for a government consultation was 53,000 for the smoking ban in 2005. The recent consultation on the plans for an independence referendum attracted 21,000 responses.