Holyrood consults on legalising same-sex marriage

A 14-week consultation asks if marriage in Scotland should be allowed for gay people through a civil or religious ceremony.

Currently same-sex couples can enter a civil partnership, which carries full legal rights, but the ceremony cannot be conducted in a church or other religious premises.

Ministers and officials say they intend to meet key groups to discuss the proposals, which would ensure religious organisations do not have to register same-sex marriages against their will.

A recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found more than 60 per cent of people believe same-sex couples should have the right to marry, compared with 19 per cent who disagree.

The issue caused controversy last month when SNP MSP John Mason, who was criticised by some party colleagues, claimed in a parliamentary motion that no-one should be “forced” to approve of same-sex marriage.

The Shettleston MSP, a practising Baptist, insisted churches feared they could be sued if they refused to conduct ceremonies under any change to legislation.

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We tend towards the view that same-sex marriage should be introduced.

“However, we are aware that, for religious reasons, some faith groups and celebrants may not want to solemnise same-sex marriages, and that is why we are making it clear that they should not be obliged to do so.

“We give an absolute assurance that all views will be listened to.”

The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: “All the legal rights of marriage are already available to homosexual couples through civil partnership registrations.

“This is not about rights. This is about redefining marriage for the whole of society at the behest of a small minority of activists.”