SNP may agree to gay marriage compromise

The Scottish Government has refused to rule out a compromise deal that would legalise gay marriage in Scotland but ban the ceremonies from being held in churches.

Ministers played down the claims yesterday insisting that no decision has been taken on the issue.

It was reported that ministers could be ready to pass same-sex marriage legislation with the caveat that the ceremonies must be held in a civil setting.

The same plans are under discussion in England and could be presented to religious opponents of gay marriage in Scotland as a guarantee that they would not be forced to conduct same-sex weddings.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said the reports were “without foundation”.

He said: “All views and opinions are being carefully listened to and we will take time to properly consider all of the responses to the consultation. The analysis of the responses will be published in the spring.”‪

Asked if the compromise proposals had been ruled out, he declined to comment further.

The move would offer assurance to religious groups opposed to gay marriage who fear a legal challenge from equality campaigners if they refused to conduct same-sex ceremonies.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon will now sift through more than 50,000 responses.

Aware of the strength of feeling, the Deputy First Minister made it clear when announcing the consultation in September that while the government “tends towards the view” that same sex marriage should be introduced, it would listen to opinions and not compel religious groups to take part.

The consultation asked whether gay marriage ceremonies should be conducted in a religious setting, if the church involved agreed. Some churches fear this could leave them open to legal action for discrimination if they refused to comply.