Is gay marriage legal in scotland

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Scotland since 16 December As family law is not reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence to make changes to the law on marriage.

is scotland lgbt friendly

[1]. Exactly 10 years ago, a change in Scots law meant same-sex couples could marry for the first time. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act came into effect on 16 December. Laws around same sex marriage in Scotland changed in and as an LGBT+ couple you can marry or civilly partner here subject to an advance application and any necessary marriage visas. Scotland has made significant progress in recognising and protecting the rights of same-sex couples and their families.

This article provides an overview of the legal landscape for same-sex relationships, focusing on marriage, civil partnerships, parental rights, and protections in cases of separation. 10 years ago today, a new law came into effect allowing same-sex couple to legally marry for the first time in Scotland. With a huge Scottish Parliamentary majority of votes to 18, the legislation was passed in Holyrood in February Scotland voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to allow same-sex marriages, becoming the 17th country to give the green light to gay marriage despite opposition from its main church organizations.

The Scottish government, which will hold a referendum on independence from Britain in September, said passing the same-sex marriage bill was an important step for equal rights and paved the way for same-sex wedding ceremonies later this year.

The move was opposed by the Scottish Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland but the law will not compel religious institutions to hold ceremonies on their premises. The approval, in a vote of to 18 in Scotland's devolved parliament, follows similar legislation passed by the British parliament last year that allows same-sex marriage in England and Wales, with the first weddings to take place from March Scotland Health Secretary Alex Neil said it was "right that same sex couples should be able to freely express their love and commitment to each other through getting married".

Gay campaigners said the vote was a milestone for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland and welcomed the Scottish government's efforts to advance the approval from an expected time frame of Currently in Scotland, same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage first entered the Scottish parliament for debate in June last year despite opposition from church and other religious groups.

Under the law, civil marriage ceremonies can take place in any place agreed between the couple and the registrar, other than religious premises. Opposing the move, the Church of Scotland said same-sex marriage fundamentally changed marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman. The Evangelical Alliance Scotland described the move as "legal fiction" and a "blow to society" at a time when Scotland is about to vote in September on whether to split from the rest of Britain and become an independent country.

The fourth British link, Northern Ireland, has stated it does not intend to introduce same-sex marriage legislation. Scotland is among a growing number of countries as well as parts of the United States and Mexico that allow same-sex marriage. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Skip to Content. NBC News Logo. Search Search.

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