Scottish Catholic Observer

The smearing of opponents of same-sex ‘marriage’ comes at a time when the Church is stepping up its opposition to any redefinition of marriage with a campaign of prayer vigils.

“Polling evidence does show that a climate of fear and intimidation exists here,” Mr Kearney said. “Same-sex ‘marriage’ advocates are quick to turn to slurs and smear tactics whenever they are criticised or questioned. Labelling opponents bigots or homophobes rather than engaging with and responding to objections leaves many fearful of entering this debate. Shutting down discussion is never good for democracy.

“It would be the ultimate irony if the pursuit of tolerance’ were to become so tyrannical that freedom of expression was crushed in its wake.”

Results published last week of a survey, commissioned by the campaign group Scotland For Marriage, of 1004 Scots found that 53 per cent, a clear majority, believe same-sex couples ‘should not be allowed to redefine marriage for everyone else’ as they already have the same rights as married couples available to them under civil law.

Mr Kearney said the Church’s polling on this issues was ‘clear and accurate’ and ‘in stark contrast to a two-year-old poll cited by proponents of same-sex marriage to support their case.’

As part of the fight against same-sex marriage, a 12-hour prayer vigil will be held at St Charles’ Church in Paisley on Friday March 23 from 7pm.

John Deighan, the Scottish bishops’ parliamentary officer, said that vigil organisers were inspired to launch this initiative after one of the volunteers in the Catholic Parliamentary Office spoke of the experience in her own country of Kenya at a time of political unrest.

“She told us of how a bloodbath had been feared as different militias vied for power after an election,” he said. “In response, Catholics started to hold prayer vigils where people would pray the Rosary all night. It resulted in an unexpected peace in Kenya and we hope to have a similar impact on the war against the family that is presently being waged.

Friday’s vigil will be made up of talks, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration and meditation.

“We hope [this] will attract many people to join us for all or part of the vigil,” Mr Deighan added.

“We also hope that others will take similar initiatives in their own parishes.”

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