Marriage is a significant celebration of both love and commitment. It’s one that should be open to everyone – irrespective of race, religion or sexuality. We are delighted that this simple message of respect and acceptance is one upon which all three of our main political parties can agree. Over the years we’ve made huge strides when it comes to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The legalisation of same-sex marriage would be the natural culmination of such progress, and secure true equality.
Quite rightly Scottish Ministers were also quick to point out that no religious body would be forced to conduct same-sex marriages. Freedom of religion, after all, remains vital. But human rights and equalities law will ensure that no faith group will be obligated to hold such ceremonies. As a legal opinion from leading QC Karon Monaghan concluded, merely giving some religious organisations the option to conduct same-sex marriages won’t lead to successful legal challenges against those choosing not to.
Under present arrangements faith groups are already able to decide whether or not to host civil partnerships, and this hasn’t led to a wave of legal actions. And if the Government wants to ensure that religious organisations don’t face legal consequences for declining to host same-sex marriages, it can simply say so in legislation. That’s precisely how the Scottish Government intends to handle the issue.
We have a proud human rights framework in the United Kingdom that protects both equality and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It’s time to extend that to the right to celebrate gay marriage for faiths wishing to do so. The Scottish Government’s commitment is a momentous first step. Let’s hope Westminster follows their lead.
