Today the Scottish Parliament released an initial consultation suggesting same-sex marriage should be allowed in the country. Members of the public are invited to weigh in with their views over the next 14 weeks.“The Scottish government is committed to equality and diversity for all,” Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon explains, “and that is why we pledged to come forward with a consultation on same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships. In publishing that consultation today, we are setting out our initial view. We tend towards the view that same-sex marriage should be introduced.”
A recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found that more than 60% of people in Scotland felt that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, compared to 19% who disagreed.
Not surprisingly, the move hasn’t gone over well in all corners: The Scottish National Party‘s John Mason caused a stir earlier this month by insisting that “no person or organisation should be forced to be involved in or to approve of same-sex marriages.” (Homophobes always act like some lesbians are going to force a poor unsuspecting parson or imam to marry them at gunpoint.)
Sturgeon did address the issue, stating that, “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.”
Robert in NYC
And England’s marriage equality consultation begins this fall, delayed from its original start his summer.
Robert in NYC
…this summmer, I meant.
Mike in Asheville
Well Cheers to Scotland; we will hope all goes well. Certainly a better national attitude than this so-called land of the free.
What
Woot! My boyfriend is Scottish, yet ironically, I’ve never been there. How great would it be that on my first visit, I get married as well?
Robert in NYC
Mike in Asheville, Europe is leading the way it seems, already 5 countries plus Iceland though technically not in Europe geographically. Scotland and England will of course be next. Public support in England is about 69% in a recent poll and rising. It’s ironic though, the consultation due to begin in England in the fall is under a conservative coalition government. Imagine the GOP doing it, not in a million years.
Syl
All I have to say is “Alba gu bràth”! If you guys ever get to breaking away completely (and legalize a few…substances…) consider me already immigrated!
timucua
@ Mike in Asheville and Robert in NYC that is only 5 member countries out of 27 member nations so the European Union is not leading the way.
Mike in Asheville
@timucua: My comment was that it was a BETTER attitude in Scotland acknowledging the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens to marry than what we are experiencing here in the US. I sure wish that 60% of Americans understood that my right to pursue my happiness [to marry the person I love] was held as valid as my parents’ right to marry or even the rights of two dimwitted drunks in Las Vegas of opposite sex. Alas, as I wrote above, one would think that those who truly understood the legitimate notions of freedom, what our country is supposed to be about, would understand that. The reality is that they don’t; thus my marriage in Massachusetts means dip shit here in North Carolina.
Mike in Asheville
@timucua: My comment was that it was a BETTER attitude in Scotland acknowledging the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens to marry than what we are experiencing here in the US. I sure wish that 60% of Americans understood that my right to pursue my happiness [to marry the person I love] was held as valid as my parents’ right to marry or even the rights of two dimwitted drunks in Las Vegas of opposite sex. Alas, as I wrote above, one would think that those who truly understood the legitimate notions of freedom, what our country is supposed to be about, would understand that. The reality is that they don’t; thus my marriage in Massachusetts means nothing but pretty paper here in North Carolina.
Robert in NYC
No. 7, do the math. I think Europe is leading the world. Point me to one other region where it is snowballing? Five EU countries and England and Scotland will probably legalize it making it 7. I know of no other region where it’s happening so rapidly. North and South America, only 2 countries, Mexico city, DC and 6 American states. That’s hardly what I’d call leading the world. On the African continent, only 1. In the middle and far east, 0.
Robert in NYC
No. 7, do the math. I think Europe is leading the world. Point me to one other region where it is snowballing? Five EU countries and Iceland and England and Scotland will probably legalize it making it 8. I know of no other region where it’s happening so rapidly. North and South America, only 2 countries, Mexico city, DC and 6 American states. That’s hardly what I’d call leading the world. On the African continent, only 1. In the middle and far east, 0.
Graham
@Robert in NYC: Iceland is in the continent of Europe, it’s not in the European union however.
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smacr
Welome to Canada.
Marriage equality nationwide since 2005.