The Scottish Government formally announced it’s support for same-sex marriage on 25 July 2012 when responding to the results of its consultation on the matter. Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing (with responsibility for the issue) outlined the reasons for the Scottish Government’s support for same-sex marriage, stating; “In a country that aspires to be an equal and tolerant society, this is the right thing to do.”

In a statement to the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament, on 4 September 2012, the Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland, announced that the Scottish Government  planned to bring forward a bill to allow same-sex marriage within the legislative programme of the Parliamentary session, stating “In promoting a fairer Scotland, we will legislate for equal rights.”

On 12 December 2012 the Scottish Government published its draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill for consultation. Alex Neil MSP, the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing said; “We are introducing same-sex marriage in Scotland because it is the right thing to do. We are striving to create a Scotland that is free, tolerant and fair and I am pleased to say there is support across the chamber for this significant step.”

Once the draft bill 14 week consultation closes on 20 March 2013, and after the results are analysed, it is expected that the Scottish will make any neccessary changes and introduce a final version of the bill to the Scottish Parliament in Spring/Summer 2013.

Scottish Government ministers and SNP backbenchers will have a free vote on the issue, but the First Minister and all Cabinet Ministers have signed the Equality Network’s Equal Marriage Pledge commiting themselves to supporting same-sex marriage. The Scottish Government does not currently have any plans to allow mixed-sex civil partnership in Scotland.

“In promoting a fairer Scotland, we will legislate for equal rights”

“I am delighted to support the Equality Network and their campaign. As someone committed to creating a fairer, safer and more equal society, free from discrimination and bigotry, I am proud of Labour’s action in government to tackle discrimination against LGBT people and in legislating to create civil partnerships. I believe that the public witness and celebration of same-sex relationships afforded by civil partnerships and the legal rights created have played an important role in changing attitudes to LGBT people. I support the campaign for Equal Marriage and legislation which would allow religious bodies to conduct same-sex marriages should they wish to do so.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I support the Equality Network’s Equal Marriage Campaign. It seeks a more equal society while recognising that religious organisations which do not wish to carry out ceremonies should not be compelled to do so. The Scottish Government will bring forward legislation on gay marriage in this parliament and I want to ensure we have a workable way of advancing this issue for the people of Scotland.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I want Scotland to be one of the most fair and progressive places in the world. Extending marriage equality to all is a really important part of that. The Equality Network should be congratulated on their fantastic job of highlighting how important this campaign is and I look forward to working with them as we enter the next stage of this debate.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“The Greens have long supported equal marriage, and it’s really exciting to see that it could be about to happen at last. I once saw looks of puzzlement and confusion on the faces of young LGBT people when they learned that gay relationships had once been illegal. I hope to see the same kind of reaction, not too many years from now, when young people find out that same-sex couples had ever been banned from marrying. This kind of discrimination is completely senseless, and it’s time to put it into the dustbin of history.” (Support pledged since 2008)

“To me it’s very straightforward – the laws of the land should be applied with fairness, and this inequality is just not acceptable.” (Support pledged since 2008)

“I support the notion of marriage between two people who love each other and wish to live together as a married couple, regardless of their gender. I also support the right of churches to determine whether or not they will conduct same sex marriage ceremonies. I believe this to be a matter of individual conscience.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I’ve always fought for fairness and equality, as a Labour Party member and as an MSP.  Marriage equality is a building block of the good society that I seek to create and I’m committed to campaigning for a change in the law. I’d like to see firm proposals brought forward that would put same-sex marriage in the statute book of the Scottish Parliament. I believe that by backing equal marriage we are sending out a strong signal about the importance of enduring and trusting relationships in a modern Scottish society.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I am 100% in favour of equal marriage, having been an organiser and campaigner for the SNP LGBT group for many years. I made clear my support in public just a day after being elected during an impromptu appearance as a speaker at Pride Scotia, which was being held in what had just become my constituency.

Marriage is society’s formal, legal and established recognition of commitment and love. Government must not deny it to couples based on their sexual orientation. As a nation we should be long past that. Religions must also be free to determine their own marriage practices, which they are not at present, since even those faith traditions who wish to offer same-sex marriage are forbidden from doing so. Both of these wrongs must be put right.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I am a long-time supporter of equal marriage and I believe that individuals have the right to choose who they marry. This is based on the fundamental principle of equality for all members of society regardless of sexual orientation and I will support any legislation which seeks to further equality in our society.” (Support pledged since 2008)

“I am backing equal marriage. In my opinion, marriage is about much more than the legal recognition of a loving relationship. Marriage is about love, commitment, and an enduring partnership with another person. The values represented by this commitment are not exclusive to heterosexual couples, nor should the right to marry be exclusive to heterosexual couples.” (Support pledged since 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

“Equal marriage is about removing barriers. In my view, if a loving couple want to formalise their relationship through a religious ceremony, then they shouldn’t be prevented from doing so and that’s why I’m supporting Equality Network’s campaign.” (Support pledged 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

“I am absolutely committed to the principle of equality before the law, regardless of sexual orientation and I therefore support Equal Marriage.  I believe that true equality means not only extending marriage rights to same-sex couples but also allowing heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnerships, should they so wish.

While I understand that this issue is not as clear cut for all groups, I believe that a balance between freedoms can be found in allowing religious organisations who wish to conduct marriage ceremonies for same sex couples on their premises, permission to do so.

Although I agree that no faith should be forced to conduct ceremonies for same sex couples, it is unfortunate to see this issue misrepresented so readily in the media. The imposition of equal marriage on all faith groups has never been on the agenda and I remain personally disappointed to see it cloud much of the debate around equal marriage.

In my view, the definition of marriage should not be defined as an act before one god or another. It is neither exclusively a religious term nor one that the state has any interest in narrowing. In allowing same-sex couples to get married, the Government would be widening the definition so that it stood as a lifelong statement of a union between two people before the eyes of the law. It is that statement of love and commitment which is important, not the gender or sexuality of the parties involved.” (Support pledged since 2008)

“In the past three Parliaments I have supported measures to tackle prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in all its forms.

I was proud to support the introduction of civil partnerships and believe that the time is now right to take a step further to provide genuine equality not only for same-sex couples looking to marry but also heterosexual couples who want a civil partnership.

This is a move that the majority of Scots want to see and I am keen to see changes made that will deliver greater equality while protecting the discretion that faith groups have to conduct religious ceremonies in accordance with their faith.”

(Support pledged since 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

“I am hugely supportive of the principle of marriage equality, and I believe that marriage should be available to all couples who choose to make this commitment with fairness and tolerance being at the core at all times. Scotland has a chance to lead the way in the UK on this issue, ensuring that marriage is an institution about commitment and love regardless of the makeup of the couple. I am also clear however that no faith group should be obliged to carry out any ceremony against their principles. I hope that at the same time the barriers which prevent heterosexual couples from entering into civil partnerships will be removed. I commend the work of the Equal Marriage campaign and hope that the Scottish Government will come forward with legislation on this issue soon.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I look forward to a progressive, diverse and equal Scotland. It is my belief that there cannot be any caveats to equality.  I support the proposal to equalise Scotland’s marriage laws and look forward to voting in favour when the issue come before the Scottish Parliament.”

(Support pledged since 2011)

“I think Scotland will be a better place if in our society same-sex couples who want to marry can do so. I believe when people make such a commitment to each other it should be recognised by society. This commitment is equally important regardless of sexuality and so it cannot be right to deny same-sex couples the right to marriage. I congratulate the Equality Network on their campaign.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I support equal marriage in both religious and civil ceremonies and will vote in favour of it. Most people in Scotland feel the same way, we are a tolerant country and accept that couples should be able to solemnise their relationships. I support the Scottish government’s suggested exemption for those religious denominations who do not want to conduct same sex ceremonies. This might mean that Westminster has to strenghthen the religious exemption in the equality legislation, which is reserved to London.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I believe absolutely in equality  and  marriage should be an option that is available to all irrespective of sexual orientation. I respect those who take  a different view for  religious reasons but they cannot be allowed  to impose that view on the rest of society.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I have fought for social and economic equality and justice all my life, it would hypocritical for me not to support the right of people who love each other to have this recognised by marriage if that is what they want.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“When the proposals for Civil Partnerships were first made I was supportive of that cause and welcomed legislation to allow for civil partnerships. I am equally supportive today for those who wish to be married and encourage the Government to table legislation ensuring the organisations who wish to conduct same-sex marriages be allowed.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“I am happy to support the Equal Marriage campaign as equality must be extended to every person in Scotland and the UK; regardless of sexuality, race, gender or background. The option of marriage must be available for everyone in Scotland.” (Support pledged since 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

(Support pledged since 2011)

“I believe marriage should be open to every couple who wish to make that commitment, however I also believe that churches and their celebrants must continue to be able to decide whether or not to perform a marriage ceremony in accordance with their rules and beliefs.” (Support pledged since 2011)

“For me supporting equality in marriage is an issue of human rights. Any loving couple should be entitled to show their love and commitment to each other through a marriage ceremony. I am happy to sign this Equal Marriage Pledge in support of marriage equality.”

“The struggle for equality has been long and hard fought.  The time has come for this step on that road, equality in marriage.”

(Support pledged since 2012)

“I wholeheartedly support the view that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. Whether they do so should be a matter of choice for the individuals not the state. Every Scot should be entitled to the same rights and afforded the same dignity regardless of sexuality.”

“To my mind marriage is a union entered into by two people who love each other, regardless of sexual orientation.  That is why I fully support the Equality Network’s campaign and do so with the intention of voting through equal marriage in the Scottish Parliament. I also believe it is right and proper that those who do not want to conduct same sex ceremonies should not be obliged to do so and that there should be choice. I pride myself on being Scottish and I pride Scotland on being an equal and diverse nation – allowing same-sex marriage and removing the barriers for heterosexual couples to enter into a civil partnership are all that is stopping us from being an even more equality led country.”

“Equal Marriage will be an important step to creating a fully inclusive, tolerant and equal society.”

“The Labour Party stands for equality for all and that applies to marriage too.”

“I want to see Scotland become a fairer and more equal society and believe that everyone should be entitled to marry and commit to the person that they love.   I support the right of religious institutions and faith groups to conduct ceremonies in accordance to their beliefs and I support the Equality Network’s Equal Marriage campaign.”