Leader: Marriage proposal puts Salmond to the test

When his party proposed the idea of legislating to allow same-sex “marriages”, Alex Salmond cannot have imagined the issue would stir up such antipathy from some powerful religious groups in Scotland.

The First Minister might have seen the measure as uncontroversial legislation which would prove the Scotland he hopes to lead to independence was a tolerant, modern nation like her Scandinavian neighbours whose liberal societies he aspires to emulate.

Yesterday’s condemnation of the plans as a dangerous and potentially destructive by Gordon Wilson, the former SNP leader and Free Church member, will have disabused Mr Salmond of any such idealistic aspirations. The backing of Mr Wilson’s call for a referendum on the proposals by the Catholic Church merely adds to Mr Salmond’s travails.

The opposition of such a well-respected Nationalist highlights the fact the SNP is not a homogenous party, but has divisions between the socially conservative and socially liberal. Such splits could well have serious consequences in any independence campaign, but Mr Salmond has to deal with the specific issue now.

As we have argued, the measure he is proposing is modest, civilised and does not force gay “marriage” on churches. The First Minister must balance respect for the views of religious leaders – and former party leaders – with his principles. The idea of a Brian Souter-style referendum in particular must be resisted. Holyrood is the place for this decision. This is a great test for the First Minister, but one we are sure he can pass.