Thirty-four years after Scotland decriminalized homosexuality, this victory comes after heated debates between religious bodies and MSPs (members of the Scottish Parliament) since the first petition was drawn up in 2009. The marriage equality bill was formally introduced in the Scottish Parliament in June 2013, which eventually passed stage one of voting with a 98-15 victory with 5 abstentions in November 2013, and today finally passed with a victory of 105-18 with no abstentions.
Though same-sex couples had the option of civil unions, the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill faced opposition from the two biggest Scottish church organizations – the Scottish Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland. The two bodies, along with a group of 48 other signatories, prompted members of the Scottish Parliament to add the now included amendments providing for non-discrimination of individuals and organizations based on their views (expressed or not) regarding support for heterosexual marriage. The exemptions currently also include the provision for religious institutions to opt-in if they wish to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies, and also offer a reassurance to churches and religious bodies that their charitable status won’t be disturbed irrespective of their views on same-sex marriage.
The bill also includes provisions to allow transgender people to remain married while obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate, and extends recognition to same-sex couples married elsewhere.
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