MSPs set Hogmanay date for gay marriages

Sealed with a kiss: Jerry Slater, left, and Larry Lamont are among those looking forward to getting married. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Health secretary Alex Neil hailed the move as an “important signal that our nation is absolutely committed to the same rights for all our citizens”.

He said that Hogmanay would be “a proud, and no doubt emotional day for many” and said: “I, for one, can’t wait” as he announced the date.

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The move comes after Holyrood overwhelmingly passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership Act, despite fierce opposition by a number of religious groups in Scotland, including the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church.

Couples in an existing civil partnership will also be able to change their relationship to a marriage from 16 December, with this taking place from an earlier date as a minimum notice period of 14 clear days is required for marriage ceremonies.

Those couples who convert their civil partnership to a marriage in the first year of the legislation will not be charged to do so, the Scottish Government pledged.

The flagship legislation will see religious and belief bodies opting in to perform same-sex marriages, with ministers pledging that no part of the religious community would be forced to stage the ceremonies in churches.

MSPs from across all parties backed the Scottish government bill, which Mr Neil was the lead minister for, by a margin of 105-18, in February this year.

Mr Neil said: “It is wonderful that same-sex couples can now begin to make plans to have their marriage just as any other couple can.

“This historic legislation had overwhelming support across the Scottish Parliament, demonstrating to the world how importantly Scotland views equality.

“That support means that, from 31 December, same-sex couples who want to show their love and commitment to each other could get married in front of family and friends at a ceremony they choose together.”

The announcement was welcomed by the pro-same sex marriage Equality Network, which has lobbied for same-sex couples to be allowed to get married.

Tom French, policy and public affairs coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “We are very pleased that after years of campaigning for equal marriage it is now just weeks away from becoming a reality.

“Today’s milestone announcement means that same-sex couples across Scotland will be able to set a date and start planning their weddings. With the first ceremonies set to take place on Hogmanay, Scotland can be proud that we will bring in the new year as a fairer and more equal country.”

He said December 31 2014 would be “a date that is remembered for many years to come, and a profoundly emotional day for those couples who celebrate their commitment to each other”.

Mr French also stressed the importance of the legislation for all Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people who “grew up in a country where being gay was still criminalised until 1981”.

He said: “Scotland is now a leader on LGBTI equality, with one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world. There is still more to do to ensure full equality in people’s day-to-day lives, but this year we have taken a huge leap forward towards creating the fair and equal Scotland we all want to see.”

Colin Macfarlane, director of the LGBT equality charity Stonewall Scotland said: ‘We’re delighted that today’s announcement will mean lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will now be able to set a date and begin plans for their weddings.

“What better way to see in Hogmanay.”