If Gays Marry In Scotland, Who Wears the Kilt?

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.”