Scottish Bishops speak out on same-sex marriage

Responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a draft Bill to allow same sex marriage in Scotland, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has urged that the widest possible protection should be given to civil liberties.

Archbishop Tartaglia said: “Writing to Cardinal Keith O’Brien in August, the First Minister said that he was ‘determined to protect the important principles of freedom of speech, conscience and declaration of faith.’ A leading human rights QC has subsequently pointed out that the Government’s proposals will adversely impact religious freedom and a wide range of civil liberties. In order not to discriminate unjustly, more safeguards need to be embedded in the proposed legislation. ”

Archbishop Tartaglia added: “The Catholic Church has made its view very clear that the redefinition of marriage is unwise and unnecessary. The Catholic Bishops of Scotland are entirely at one with their colleagues in England & Wales in upholding marriage as a union uniquely of a man and a woman for mutual love and support and open to procreation.

“Employment, Equality and Education law especially should be reviewed and, if necessary, amended so as to avoid the unjust penalization of anyone who disagrees with same sex marriage.

"The Church will respond fully to the consultation in due course, but remains committed to the belief that legislation to permit same sex marriage, enacted in Edinburgh, Westminster, or anywhere else is wrong, and is likely to have far reaching consequences which will impact far beyond the small number of people who may wish to avail themselves of the new provision."