NEWS RELEASE – Scotland must set the pace on same-sex marriage

Posted on January 31, 2012

Greens have welcomed today’s demonstration of cross-party support for legislation lifting the ban on same-sex marriage and mixed-sex civil partnership in Scotland, and have called for a Bill to be published this year.

Patrick Harvie MSP joined with all other opposition leaders in signing the Equal Marriage campaign’s pledge of support, ahead of what is expected to be the most well-attended reception ever hosted at Holyrood since the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“It’s really encouraging to see so much support for Equal Marriage both inside Parliament and outside, and all that’s needed is for the Government to come forward with the legislation.

“I see no reason why a Bill couldn’t be published this year, and I’m convinced that when MSPs have the chance to vote on this, Scotland will once again set the pace of change for the rest of the UK by backing equality for same-sex couples. This is a vital signal about the kind of progressive society that Scotland wants to be in the 21st century.”

1 Comment

  1. Great seeing you at the Equal Marriage Reception last night. I hope your excellent speech and those of the other MSPs help keep the pressure up so that this issue doesn’t disappear behind other priorities the Scottish Government may have over the next few years.

    Comment by Ross Chmiel — February 1, 2012 @ 9:13 am