Scottish Catholic Observer

The Catholic Church has restated its opposition to same-sex ‘marriage’ after MSPs voted in principle to legalise it last night, as has the Church of Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill has passed the first of three parliamentary hurdles by 98 votes to 15 with five abstentions.

John Deighan, parliamentary officer for Scotland’s bishops, warned that, under the current legislative proposal, some churches could be forced to carry out same-sex ‘marriage.’

“We’ve always advised that marriage contributes hugely to the well being of society and to the well being of children and families,” Mr Deighan said. “Changing marriage in this way creates inequality and damages the diversity that existing marriages creates. We remain opposed to this bill, but will make the call for robust amendments to the bill to protect institutions opposed to same sex marriage.”

The parliamentary officer went on to say that defenders of marriage had to refocus their efforts on promoting marriage.

“An effort to re-tell the true story of marriage as a commitment between prospective parents for the sake of each other and their children has to be undertaken,” he said. “That will take some time and meanwhile we have to ensure that the dismantling of marriage is not exacerbated by efforts to remove the notion from society.

“Equality laws really could do that by enforcing a view that all relationships are equal and by crushing those who dissent. There is therefore a need for amendments to the bill and thankfully some mention of that was made during the parliamentary debate. Please continue to encourage your MSPs to support the amendments for safeguarding civil liberties.”

His concerns were echoed by the Rev Dr Alan Hamilton, convener of the Church of Scotland’s legal questions committee, who said the Kirk remained opposed to same-sex ‘marriages’ and said there was widespread opposition to the changes.

“Until any future General Assembly of the Church of Scotland decides otherwise, that remains our position,” he said. “But our commitment to care for all people, gay and straight is no less. We stand against homophobia. One thing is very clear and that is there is not unanimous support for this legislation in Scotland. We would also seek robust and detailed legal assurances and protection for those who do not wish to conduct same-sex marriages as a matter of conscience.”

—[email protected]