Marriage equality (Scotland)
The movement towards marriage equality in Scotland has been proceeding roughly in parallel with that in England (See Marriage equality for the general background and the situation in the rest of the UK).
In Scotland the campaign for equal marriage is being organised by The Equality Network.[1]
The Scottish Government held a consultation exercise starting on the 2nd of September 2011,[2] six months ahead of that in England and Wales. The consultation closed on the 9th of December.[3] In the final count there were 77,508 responses, including 14,779 from outside Scotland. Including postcard and petition response, 64% of those who responded said they were against same-sex marriage. However excluding postcard and petition responses to the consultation from within Scotland, 65% were in favour and 35% against.[4] This is consistent with a poll in June 2012 which revealed that 64 per cent of Scots support equal marriage.[5]
On 25 July 2012 the Scottish Government announced that it will introduce equal marriage, together with religious ceremonies for civil partnerships. The first ceremonies could be held in 2015. The bill will be accompanied by safeguards (which are likely to need UK legislation) to assure the religious freedom of groups or individuals opposed to gay marriage.[6]
References
<references>
- ↑ http://www.equalmarriage.org.uk/ Equal Marriage Campaign (Scotland).
- ↑ http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/05153328/0
- ↑ http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/politics/consultation_sees_50_000_responses_1_2001639
- ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18981287
- ↑ http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/06/17/poll-record-support-for-equal-marriage-in-scotland/
- ↑ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/scotland-to-allow-gay-marriage-7976154.html