Scotland legalises same-sex marriage

Scotland has legalised same-sex marriage, after the Scottish Parliament passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill with an overwhelming majority.

The first marriage ceremonies are expected to take place later this year, with suggestions that the necessary legal changes could be made by October.

Scotland becomes the 17th country in the world to legalise gay marriage.

The Equality Network, the Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity, described the vote as “a milestone for LGBT equality in Scotland”.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Today will be remembered in history as the day that lesbian, gay and bisexual people were finally granted full legal equality in Scotland, and given an equal right to marry the person they love.

“This is a profoundly emotional moment for many people who grew up in a country where being gay was still a criminal offence until 1980. Scotland can be proud that we now have one of the most progressive equal marriage bills in the world, and that we’ve sent out a strong message about the kind of country we are.

“We know this change means so much to LGBT people across Scotland and we look forward to the first same-sex marriages taking place as soon as possible.”

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Alex Neil, pledged: “We will work with our Westminster colleagues to make it happen as quickly as possible.”

Attitude is to publish its first-ever “bookazine” to celebrate the first same-sex marriages taking place in the UK.

The 148-page glossy guide, titled Love and Marriage, will be available exclusively in print at WHSmith from March 25, and will also be available to download via Attitude’s digital app for tablet and mobile.

> Click here to pre-order Attitude’s ‘Love and Marriage’ bookazine now