Same sex marriage becomes legal in Scotland

Scotland could be set to hold its first same sex wedding as early as this year, after the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 4th February.

The Bill covers a number of key matters relating to marriage law in Scotland, including:

• the introduction of same-sex marriage
• putting belief celebrants on the same footing as religious celebrants
• the arrangements for authorising celebrants to solemnise opposite sex and same sex marriage
• civil partnerships changing to marriage
• the authorisation of Church of Scotland deacons to solemnise opposite sex marriage
• allowing civil marriage ceremonies in any place agreed between the couple and the registrar, other than religious premises
• and allowing married transgender people to obtain full gender recognition without a requirement to divorce.

The UK Government has also recently passed legislation to introduce same sex marriage to England and Wales. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill received Royal Assent in July last year, and according to the Government, the first same sex marriages could take place as early as this March.

Speaking at the time, Women and Equalities Minister, Maria Miller said:

“Marriage is the bedrock of our society and now irrespective of sexuality everyone in British society can make that commitment. It is a wonderful achievement and whilst this legislation may be about marriage, its impact is so much wider.

"Making marriage available to all couples demonstrates our society’s respect for all individuals regardless of their sexuality. It demonstrates the importance we attach to being able to live freely. It says so much about the society that we are and the society that we want to live in.”

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