Scottish Catholic Observer

The Knights of St Columba are to petition Catholics at parishes throughout Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s constituency as part of their campaign against the legislation of same-sex ‘marriage.’

Ms Sturgeon (above) launched the Scottish Government’s consultation into the redefinition of marriage last year, and made clear that she and the Government was in favour of such a move.

“We tend towards the view that religious ceremonies for civil partnerships should no longer be prohibited and that same sex marriage should be introduced so that same sex couples have the option of getting married if that is how they wish to demonstrate their commitment to each other,” she wrote at the time. “We also believe that no religious body or its celebrants should be required to carry out same sex marriages or civil partnership ceremonies.”

The campaign in her constituency is part of a wider plans by the Knights to petition parishioners in the constituencies of all 20 Scottish Government ministers.

Ahead of the Scottish Government announcing its formal response to the consultation next month, Charlie McCluskey, newly elected board member of the Knights of St Columba, said the group is hoping to inspire Catholics to put pressure on the Deputy First Minister, al all ministers, to change their positions on the issue.

“The Knights of St Columba will be attending all Masses at Blessed John Duns Scotus Church this weekend with petitions supporting the sanctity of Marriage between a man and a woman and against any change to the law which alters this,” he said. “If you live in Glasgow Southside constituency please come and sign our petition and let your MSP know that we do not support any change to the law on marriage.”

The petition will state that ‘Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of society and is the best circumstances to raise children and as those in same-sex relationships have all the benefits of civil partnerships there is no reason to change the definition of Marriage under the law.’

The Knights will present the petition to Ms Sturgeon after touring all the parishes in her constituency.

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