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: