Scottish parliament passes same-sex marriage bill at first stage

The Scottish parliament on Wednesday passed the same-sex marriage bill after a vote at the first stage. The Scottish government's Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill passed the first of three parliamentary stages by 98 votes support to 15 votes against, with five abstentions. Welcoming the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill passing stage one in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil said the move was the right thing to do in Scotland and the support of Parliament was secured at stage one of the bill with the general principles agreed. However, the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church are opposing the bill. As the bill went forward to stage two and stage three for more issues raised by members in the Scottish parliament, Neil added that "The Bill makes it clear that there is no duty to opt in to the new arrangements. And the Bill imposes no duty on any person who is an approved celebrant to solemnize same sex marriages or register civil partnerships." The bill was introduced in the Parliament on June 26 and covers the key matters relating to marriage law including the introduction of same-sex marriage, the arrangements for authorizing celebrants to solemnize opposite sex and same sex marriage and civil partnerships changing to marriage among others. Currently, same-sex couples in Scotland have the option to enter into civil partnerships, and it is expected that the earliest gay marriage ceremonies could take place by the start of 2015, if the legislation is passed. In England and Wales, the Marriage (Same sex couples) Act was passed in July and the first gay and lesbian wedding ceremonies are expected to take place by summer next year.