Campaigners frustrated at further delay on gay marriage
The Scottish Government today disappointed equality campaigners and LGBT communities by again failing to announce a decision on same-sex marriage
The delay was criticised by the Equality Network, the LGBT equality charity that campaigns for Equal Marriage in Scotland.
They say it is “hugely disappointing that yet again we are being told to wait for an answer that never seems to come.”
Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “It is time the Scottish Government demonstrated its leadership on this issue and announced a decision. Same-sex marriage is supported by the majority of Scots and the majority of MSPs. The Government have had seven months to analyse the consultation responses and to deal with the detail. We cannot understand why there is any need for further delay.
“The Government created huge expectation, not least amongst national and international press, and have failed to deliver today.
“It is unfair to keep dangling the prospect of equality in front of LGBT people, only to snatch it further away again. The Government should now set a date for announcing their decision, and stick to it.”
A majority of MSPs and a majority of the public have said they support same-sex marriage.
In June the Equality Network announced that a majority of MSPs had signed its Equal Marriage Pledge, committing themselves to voting in favour of same-sex marriage. 74 MSPs have now said they will vote in favour, including the leaders of all the opposition parties. Just 9 MSPs remain opposed.
Opinion polls have shown consistent public support for same-sex marriage in Scotland. The most recent poll was conducted in mid-June by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Equality Network. It showed record support with 64% of Scots in favour of a change in the law, and just 26% opposed. Separate polls conducted over the past two years by Populus, YouGov, Angus Reid, and the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, have all shown similar levels of support.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Cabinet today had the opportunity to discuss same sex marriage in great detail and consider all views represented in the consultation responses. This is an important issue and it is right that Cabinet takes the time to get both the principle and the detail of the decision right.
"During the discussion, recent calls for a referendum on the subject were carefully considered. However, Cabinet views this as an issue of conscience not constitution. Given that if a Bill is brought forward it should in the view of the Scottish Government be determined by a free vote, Cabinet has concluded that a referendum would not be appropriate.
"Cabinet has now asked a Cabinet sub-committee, led by the Deputy First Minister, to further examine some particular issues of detail before a final decision is reached.
