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16/07/2012
Catholic Church Leader Calls For Referendum On Equal Marriage
Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Britain's most senior Roman Catholic, has urged the Scottish government to hold a referendum on proposals to legalise same-sex marriage, saying a vote should be held because of intense public interest in the issue.
Gay rights campaigners said a referendum would be a waste of money.
His call comes, as Scottish ministers, who favour same-sex marriage, are to announce legislation this week after a consultation resulted in 80,000 responses.
Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships and the Holyrood government has insisted no part of the religious community would be forced to hold gay weddings in churches.
Cardinal O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said the marriage consultation received three times more responses than the government's consultation on the independence referendum, which saw more than 26,000 people share their views.
"Clearly, if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence, it is crucial that we have one on marriage," he said, adding: "It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue.
"Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide."
Cardinal O'Brien has already authorised a plan to raise £100,000 through special church collections to support the Scotland For Marriage campaign against same-sex marriage.
But LGBT charity The Equality Network said a referendum would result in the "Americanisation" of Scottish politics, with big-money campaigns run by professional lobby groups.
"A referendum would be un-Scottish, unfair and a colossal waste of taxpayer's money."
(H)
Gay rights campaigners said a referendum would be a waste of money.
His call comes, as Scottish ministers, who favour same-sex marriage, are to announce legislation this week after a consultation resulted in 80,000 responses.
Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships and the Holyrood government has insisted no part of the religious community would be forced to hold gay weddings in churches.
Cardinal O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said the marriage consultation received three times more responses than the government's consultation on the independence referendum, which saw more than 26,000 people share their views.
"Clearly, if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence, it is crucial that we have one on marriage," he said, adding: "It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue.
"Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide."
Cardinal O'Brien has already authorised a plan to raise £100,000 through special church collections to support the Scotland For Marriage campaign against same-sex marriage.
But LGBT charity The Equality Network said a referendum would result in the "Americanisation" of Scottish politics, with big-money campaigns run by professional lobby groups.
"A referendum would be un-Scottish, unfair and a colossal waste of taxpayer's money."
(H)
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12 December 2012
Scotland Gay Marriage Consultation Begins
A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
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A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
11 January 2012
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
16 January 2012
Cameron And Salmond Get Set For Talks
Britain’s Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister will arrange a meeting to discuss Scottish independence in the next few days, it has been revealed. PM David Cameron and Alex Salmond will discuss a referendum on Scottish independence with the meeting due to take place after Mr.
Cameron And Salmond Get Set For Talks
Britain’s Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister will arrange a meeting to discuss Scottish independence in the next few days, it has been revealed. PM David Cameron and Alex Salmond will discuss a referendum on Scottish independence with the meeting due to take place after Mr.
18 September 2014
Polls Open In Scottish Independence Referendum
Voters in Scotland will today go to the polls to decide if the country will remain part of the UK or become an independent nation. People are being asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" The latest figures show that 97% of the electorate, or 4,285,323 people, have registered to vote.
Polls Open In Scottish Independence Referendum
Voters in Scotland will today go to the polls to decide if the country will remain part of the UK or become an independent nation. People are being asked to answer yes or no to the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" The latest figures show that 97% of the electorate, or 4,285,323 people, have registered to vote.
01 September 2014
Scottish Voters Reminded Of Referendum Vote Registration Deadline
Residents of Scotland, who wish to vote in the 19 September Scottish Independence referendum, have until midnight on Tuesday to register. Campaigners both for and against independence have urged people to register to vote before tomorrow's deadline. It is understood that 4.1 million people have already registered to vote.
Scottish Voters Reminded Of Referendum Vote Registration Deadline
Residents of Scotland, who wish to vote in the 19 September Scottish Independence referendum, have until midnight on Tuesday to register. Campaigners both for and against independence have urged people to register to vote before tomorrow's deadline. It is understood that 4.1 million people have already registered to vote.
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