Scotland has again led the way in progressive legislation with the passing of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill. This landmark legislation will allow same sex couples to marry and the first weddings may even take place this Autumn. The Bill currently awaits Royal Assent. Although Civil Partnerships have been available for same sex couples since 2004, many gay rights organisations felt that until the same rights were available to both same sex and opposite sex couples, Scottish society would be inherently discriminatory in its treatment of its citizens.
Surveys have consistently shown the general public to be supportive of such equal rights, particularly amongst young people and women. Marriage is of course a devolved issue for the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Government has also put in place protections for religious bodies who do not wish to conduct same sex marriages, although some organisations, such as the Quakers, have been positively in favour. It is the clear view of the Scottish Government that in order to respect the strongly held views of members of particular churches , no religious organisation should be forced to conduct same sex marriages. Clearly the hope is that despite the relatively radical nature of the legislation, important sectors of Scottish society will not be alienated.
The Bill also includes provisions to allow belief ceremonies, such as humanist ceremonies, as alternatives to religious and civil ceremonies. It will also allow transgendered people to stay married - previously transgendered people required to divorce.
Other countries will no doubt watch the practical effect of the legislation with interest…
