UK Wedding News
03/10/2013
Mr Neil confirmed the news as he took questions from the Equal Opportunities Committee which is currently examining the controversial Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.
Despite receiving support for a change in legislation, a number of religious groups have spoken out against the plans to redefine marriage and the potential issues facing those who refuse to conduct such ceremonies.
Speaking earlier today, Mr Neil said the responsibility to provide equal access to marriage would lie with local authorities, and not with individual registrars. He added that the previous experience of Civil Partnerships in Scotland highlighted that rights of conscience were not threatened by the new legislation.
Under the new proposals, religious organisations would have to opt in to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. If a religious group decided to do this, it has been stated that protection would be offered to those individual celebrants who felt it would go against their faith to carry out gay weddings.
In June this year, the Scottish Government introduced the Marriage and Civil Partnerships Bill (Scotland) into the Scottish Parliament. It is being fast-tracked through Parliament, with the first evidence session being held last month. There are plans to achieve Royal Assent for the legislation by March 2014.
(JP/CD)
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Marriage Law 'Will Protect Opponents'
Scotland's Health Secretary, Alex Neil, has said the country's registrars who oppose same-sex marriage will not be forced to carry out such ceremonies.Mr Neil confirmed the news as he took questions from the Equal Opportunities Committee which is currently examining the controversial Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill.
Despite receiving support for a change in legislation, a number of religious groups have spoken out against the plans to redefine marriage and the potential issues facing those who refuse to conduct such ceremonies.
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Speaking earlier today, Mr Neil said the responsibility to provide equal access to marriage would lie with local authorities, and not with individual registrars. He added that the previous experience of Civil Partnerships in Scotland highlighted that rights of conscience were not threatened by the new legislation.
Under the new proposals, religious organisations would have to opt in to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. If a religious group decided to do this, it has been stated that protection would be offered to those individual celebrants who felt it would go against their faith to carry out gay weddings.
In June this year, the Scottish Government introduced the Marriage and Civil Partnerships Bill (Scotland) into the Scottish Parliament. It is being fast-tracked through Parliament, with the first evidence session being held last month. There are plans to achieve Royal Assent for the legislation by March 2014.
(JP/CD)
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