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Scotland's same-sex marriage bill to be given final approval Scotland's same-sex marriage bill to be given final approval
(35 minutes later)
Laws introducing gay marriage in Scotland are expected to be passed by parliament, paving the way for the first ceremonies to take place in 2015. The first same-sex weddings could take place in Scotland this autumn, with laws allowing gay marriage expected to be approved by parliament later.
The Scottish government said the move was the right thing to do, but Scotland's two main church organisations are opposed.The Scottish government said the move was the right thing to do, but Scotland's two main church organisations are opposed.
Religious and belief bodies would "opt in" to perform same-sex marriages.Religious and belief bodies would "opt in" to perform same-sex marriages.
Ministers said no part of the religious community would be forced to hold such ceremonies in churches.Ministers said no part of the religious community would be forced to hold such ceremonies in churches.
The first same-sex weddings in England and Wales will take place from 29 March, in the wake of legislation already passed by the Westminster parliament.The first same-sex weddings in England and Wales will take place from 29 March, in the wake of legislation already passed by the Westminster parliament.
In Scotland, same-sex couples currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships, but SNP ministers brought forward their Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, saying the move was an important step for equality.In Scotland, same-sex couples currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships, but SNP ministers brought forward their Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, saying the move was an important step for equality.
'Free vote' It will be October, at the earliest, before gay and lesbian couple can tie the knot in Scotland if MSPs agree to change the law.
The legislation, which is facing its final vote in the Holyrood parliament, passed its previous parliamentary hurdle by 98 votes to 15, with five abstentions.The legislation, which is facing its final vote in the Holyrood parliament, passed its previous parliamentary hurdle by 98 votes to 15, with five abstentions.
MSPs have been allowed a free vote, rather than along party lines, and voting numbers for the last stage are expected to remain broadly the same as on the previous occasion.MSPs have been allowed a free vote, rather than along party lines, and voting numbers for the last stage are expected to remain broadly the same as on the previous occasion.
Gay rights organisations, including the Equality Network and Stonewall Scotland, and a range of other groups, have supported the legislation.Gay rights organisations, including the Equality Network and Stonewall Scotland, and a range of other groups, have supported the legislation.
But the Scottish Catholic Church and Church of Scotland oppose the move, and have said they have no plans to conduct same-sex marriages.But the Scottish Catholic Church and Church of Scotland oppose the move, and have said they have no plans to conduct same-sex marriages.
And the campaign group Scotland for Marriage said the safeguards in the bill did not go far enough.And the campaign group Scotland for Marriage said the safeguards in the bill did not go far enough.
Key measures in the Scottish government's bill include:Key measures in the Scottish government's bill include:
Quakers have campaigned in favour of same-sex marriage and have said they would allow ceremonies to take place on their premises.Quakers have campaigned in favour of same-sex marriage and have said they would allow ceremonies to take place on their premises.
Other religious groups which back change include the United Reformed Church, Buddhists and the Pagan Federation.Other religious groups which back change include the United Reformed Church, Buddhists and the Pagan Federation.
The Church of Scotland - whose ruling General Assembly last year voted to allow actively gay men and women to become ministers - has said the institution stood against homophobia, but added that the "wide spread of opinion" on gay marriage was reflected among members of congregations across the country.The Church of Scotland - whose ruling General Assembly last year voted to allow actively gay men and women to become ministers - has said the institution stood against homophobia, but added that the "wide spread of opinion" on gay marriage was reflected among members of congregations across the country.
As well as the main bill, Scottish ministers have also reached an agreement with the UK government for an amendment to the 2010 Equality Act.As well as the main bill, Scottish ministers have also reached an agreement with the UK government for an amendment to the 2010 Equality Act.
The move aims to protect individual religious celebrants, who do not wish to conduct same-sex marriages, from the threat of court action claiming discrimination.The move aims to protect individual religious celebrants, who do not wish to conduct same-sex marriages, from the threat of court action claiming discrimination.
Westminster's Marriage Act which became law last July, will allow religious organisations to "opt in" to offering weddings, with the Church of England and Church in Wales banned in law from doing so.Westminster's Marriage Act which became law last July, will allow religious organisations to "opt in" to offering weddings, with the Church of England and Church in Wales banned in law from doing so.
The Church of England, the Church in Wales and other faith groups have stated their opposition to gay marriage.The Church of England, the Church in Wales and other faith groups have stated their opposition to gay marriage.
A report commissioned by the Church of England has recommended that members of the clergy should be allowed to offer blessings to same-sex couples.A report commissioned by the Church of England has recommended that members of the clergy should be allowed to offer blessings to same-sex couples.
The Northern Ireland Assembly is not currently considering any legislation to allow same-sex marriage.The Northern Ireland Assembly is not currently considering any legislation to allow same-sex marriage.
The Scottish government's marriage bill was brought forward after a government consultation, which produced a record 77,508 responses.The Scottish government's marriage bill was brought forward after a government consultation, which produced a record 77,508 responses.