Scottish cabinet reviews consultation for redefining marriage

The Scottish cabinet is preparing to review a government consultation this week to discuss a legal redefining of marriage which would include same-sex partners.

Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option of entering into civil partnerships, whereby they obtain the same legal provisions as marriage with regard to financial matters, immigration rights, and child support. The primary distinction between marriage and civil partnerships, from a legal perspective, is that married couples can chose between a civil or a religious ceremony, whereas civil partnerships are only recognized when officiated by civil procedures. The government of Scotland, however, says that religious institutions opposing the legislation will not be forced to perform same-sex ceremonies under the new legislation.

spoke with Vatican Radio’s Ann Schneible about the implications that the legalization of same-sex marriage could have for those who oppose it, and for society as a whole.

One concern is that redefining marriage could jeopardize the rights of those who support traditional marriage. “If we change marriage,” Deighan warned, “those working in society, in the public sector would find it very difficult to hold a definite view in their workplace. What we’ve found is people speaking even outside of their work on the values of traditional marriage have been disciplined in their place of work.”

There is a need, moreover, of overcoming the message of society that “this is all about tolerance, it’s all about equality, it’s all about giving people a human right. Our voice has been lost at that level, and that’s where the Catholic laity have to get more involved.”

“The Church is not against anyone, as is portrayed by advocates of same-sex marriage. The Church is for all people.”

Listen to Ann Schneible’s full interview with John Deighan, Parliamentary officer for the Catholic Church: