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Scotland Makes Gay Marriage Official

World News

05-02-2014 | 11:39

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Scotland Makes Gay Marriage Official

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The Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of a same-sex marriage bill on Tuesday, allowing the first of such ceremonies to take place by the end of the year.

The man at the fore-front of the legal battle, Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil called the bill's approval "one of the great historic days of the parliament".

But some religious leaders criticized it as an assault on tradition. The bill was passed Tuesday by 105 votes to 18.

Talking prior to the vote, Neil said his opponents have nothing to worry about.

"It is our determination and it has been from the beginning to do two things. One is to legalise same-sex marriage, but - secondly - to protect the rights of those, both celebrants and churches who do not want to participate in same-sex marriage."

Under the bill, religious bodies in Scotland that wish to perform gay marriages can "opt in" to do so.

Groups opposed to same-sex marriage cannot be forced to solemnise such unions.

And although the law is allowing the "opt out" for those who don't want to perform same-sex marriage, John Deighan, the Parliamentary Officer of Scottish Catholic Church, believes his side of the argument was not considered.

"There has been a determination not to give us anything, really so we were surprised at that."

A small group of gay marriage opponents gathered outside the Scottish Parliament but they were outnumbered by the supporters, who were celebrating even before the bill was passed.

Among them were long-time gay couple and civil partners Jerry and Larry, who recalled a very different time.

"It's important because it's equality. And, for years Larry and I lived without that. I mean, when we started out, our kind of love was illegal," Jerry said. Legislation to allow gay marriage in England and Wales was passed in July last year.

AP

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