Supporters of same sex marriage gathered outside the Scottish
Parliament today, on the eve of the conclusion of the Scottish
Government's consultation on the issue.
Around 30 representatives from groups including the Equality
Network and Humanist Society of Scotland were separated by police
from a similar number of religious objectors.
Humanist Ross Wright explained: "The argument for same sex
marriage is simply two words: why not? It's really up to society to
come up with some very good reasons why some people shouldn't be
able to marry."
He added: "People today have a lot of choice on how they can
express their commitment, and have voted with their feet. In
Scotland, in 2010, 58% of marriages were secular, conducted either
by registrars or the Humanist Society of Scotland.
"Last year the Humanist Society overtook the Catholic Church in
the number of weddings it conducted; and, if that present trend
continues, in 2015 we will overtake the Church of Scotland.
To cheers, he explained: "Modern marriage in modern Scotland is,
de facto, a secular institution. In presenting our submission to
the proposals we invite Parliamentarians to keep that at the
forefront of their minds in their deliberations over the
Bill."
Scottish Greens co-convenor Partrick Harvie MSP added: "The larger
churches are not yet ready to welcome same-sex couples on equal
terms. That's sad, but I've yet to hear any argument as to why
their view should be imposed on the rest of us, regardless of
religious belief.
"Friday is the last day of the consultation, and I'd urge everyone
who supports equality - indeed everyone who supports marriage for
all those who wish it - to take a few minutes to respond."
