October 21, 2011
SNP’s John Swinney allays church fears on gay marriage Comments Off
Scottish cabinet member John Swinney has allayed fears that churches refusing to hold gay marriages could be open to court action.
The Scottish government, which favours the move, is consulting on the issue.
In a BBC news website interview, SNP Finance Secretary Mr Swinney said he did not think there would be “a danger” of court test cases.
He insisted there would be “no compulsion or obligation” on the religious community to hold ceremonies.
Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships, but the SNP promised in its manifesto to consult on new legislation allowing gay marriages in churches.
But a parliamentary motion tabled by SNP MSP John Mason, stating no person or organisation should be forced to be involved in or to approve of same-sex marriage, sparked a row within the party, with some of his colleagues saying his action encouraged discrimination.
Speaking in a live webcast at the SNP conference in Inverness, Mr Swinney said he was personally in support of gay marriage.
He added: “I acknowledge this has divided opinion across Scotland.
“I think the government’s right to go into consultation. The protection is also there so that no individual within the religious community is in no way obliged to do this.”
And, when asked about possible test cases against churches refusing to hold same-sex ceremonies, Mr Swinney said: “I don’t think that’s a danger at all.”
• Full story at BBC Scotland.
