Gay marriage bill passed in Scotland allows same-sex couples to marry

Scotland has followed England and Wales in changing the law to allow same-sex couples to marry. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill passed its third stage in a free vote at the Scottish Parliament as MSPs voted 105-18 in favour. The vote means Northern Ireland is now the only country in the UK that does not permit gay people to marry. After the vote was passed, Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "This is a historic moment for equality in Scotland. “I am proud that the Scottish Parliament has taken this progressive and hugely important decision in favour of equal rights in our country. “It is right that same sex couples should be able to freely express their love and commitment to each other through getting married. Marriage is about love, and that has always been at the heart of this issue. “That was the clear message from Scotland’s Parliament today. We must no longer allow same sex couples who wish to get married to be barred from doing so. “Thanks to this bill, same sex couples now have the same access to marriage — one of our most important institutions — as everyone else. “There has been overwhelming support for this Bill from the beginning and many MSPs from across the political spectrum have expressed considered, personal opinions. “We now need to work quickly and in close co-operation with Westminster on implementation. On that basis, I very much look forward to seeing the first same sex marriages taking place in Scotland as soon as is possible.”The issue had polarised public opinion between supporters who championed it as a move towards equality and opponents who raised concerns about the impact on religious freedom. Scotland becomes the 19th country in the world in which gay marriage is permitted in all or part of its jurisdiction. Legislation to allow gay marriage in England and Wales was passed at Westminster in July 2013. Article: 4th February 2014 www.news.stv.tv