Scotland unveils gay marriage bill

The Scottish government has unveiled draft legislation for same-sex marriage.

The bill will require churches to opt in to perform gay marriages, similar to plans in England and Wales.

“We are striving to create a Scotland that is free, tolerant and fair. I am absolutely clear that this should not impact on religious freedom and no religious body will be compelled to solemnise same-sex marriages,” Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil said.

“Where a body does decide to solemnise same-sex marriages, we will also protect individual celebrants who consider such ceremonies to be contrary to their faith.”

The Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church and the Scottish Episcopal Church are all oppose plans to allow same-sex marriage.

In July, Scotland’s deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed that a bill would be brought forward which would see the first same-sex marriage ceremonies (both civil and religious) likely to take place by the start of 2015.

The draft bill is now open for consultation.