SNP MEP attacks vote on gay marriage

Published on Saturday 6 August 2011 11:45

A SENIOR SNP figure has lambasted what he describes as "small, mean, angry bigots" who discriminate against gay people, and hit out at fellow Nationalist politicians who have stated their opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Writing in Scotland on Sunday today, MEP Alyn Smith insists that no church or individual would be forced to approve of or perform gay weddings if the SNP Government decides to legalise same-sex marriage.

Smith, who is gay, says there should be room in society for people with all views on the subject.

He adds: "But I don't respect, and I won't tolerate, discrimination and neither does our society. Our society has collectively decided that we are an egalitarian and respectful bunch, that everyone is equal before our democratically agreed law and that everyone will respect the legal rights of others. What is in the small, mean, angry heads of bigots is a matter for them. I never asked for their approval, but I demand equality."

His comments follow the tabling of a parliamentary motion by SNP MSP John Mason which stated that "no person or organisation should be forced to be involved or to approve of same-sex marriage".

The motion is backed by three other SNP MSPs - Bill Walker, Dave Thompson and Richard Lyle.

Smith claims the motion "lacks any idea of respect at all". The claim that people would be forced to approve of same-sex marriage was "odd", he added.

Last week, MP Pete Wishart described it as a "nasty little anti-gay motion", saying he was disappointed" by his fellow SNP members.

However, the signatories say the distinction between marriage and civil partnerships should remain.

Walker said last week: "There are relationships called civil partnerships that can be between a man and a man or a woman and a woman, but it is my view that a marriage can only be between a man and a woman."

The Catholic Church has claimed that opponents to gay marriage are being "bullied into silence".

Parliamentary officer John Deighan said: "John Mason has offended the libertarians by daring to stand up for freedom of speech for those who disagree with homosexual relationships."