The Scottish government opened its consultation on same sex marriage in September 2011. In December, the Humanist Society Scotland made an official response to the consultation on Same Sex Marriage (Scotland) Bill. We are now asking members and supporters to get involved.
Our Response
You can download our full submission here. In brief:
The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) consider both civil partnership and marriage ought to be available to any couple, same or mixed sex, in either form, religious or non-religious. Our experience in this field re-enforces our position that all the people of Scotland deserve to be able to choose a ceremony that will reflect their lives and their beliefs, as well as their love for one another.
The overriding reason for this position is that the personal motivations for, and the social benefits of, marriage are universal, irrespective of the gender and sexuality of the couple.
It is important to note, all marriages are a legal contract supervised by, derived from and controlled by the state. The state allows religious officiants to - in effect - act as a “sub-contractor”. We believe it is time for permission to be extended to same sex couples.
We recognize that some religious people oppose the proposals and we support the provision in the Bill which allows those officiants who wish to do so, to refuse to conduct such ceremonies.
While the numbers of weddings are falling overall, secular and particularly Humanist Ceremonies, are still growing year-on-year. This represents a shift to a more secular society.
Why are we involved?
- HSS is the largest provider of humanist marriage ceremonies in Scotland.
- The HSS already conducts celebrations of commitment for same sex couples, usually following a civil ceremony of renewal of vows.
- Since they were legalised in 2005, Humanist weddings have grown to become the third most popular form of marriage ceremony in Scotland.
- HSS is a secular organisation representing over 7000 members. Secular marriage is on the rise and now accounts for 58 percent of marriages in Scotland.
- In 2010 the HSS conducted 2092 weddings compared to 1776 weddings conducted by the Catholic Church.
- HSS has a unique appreciation and experience of providing secular ceremonies to same sex couples in Scotland.
- While the numbers of weddings are falling overall, secular and particularly Humanist Ceremonies are still growing year-on-year.
Why we need to act?
We fully acknowledge and support the Scottish Government commitment to achieving a fair and inclusive Scotland and its attempt to reconcile conflicting points of view.
However, those who oppose Same Sex Marriage are committed to a position that we feel is out of date, regressive and (in effect if not in intention) discriminatory.
As most of the public opinion polls show (61% in favour; only 19% oppose), there is a lot of support for change.
A great majority of the MSP’s will be backing it too but that does not mean that this is a guaranteed result. There are still some issues that could be overlooked or and we see it as vital that this legislation has the best possible foundation
With the formal submissions and responses to the committee now made, it is time for individuals and organisations to start lobbying their own MSP’s directly, and we would like to encourage you to do that as soon as you can!
How you can help
There are many ways you can help at this point in the campaign.
1.) Forward this page to friends
Use the sharing buttons below to forward this page to other potential supporters. This works via email and most social networks.
2.) Contact your MSP.
Please take the time to write to you MSP with you your own views and experiences. They are your representative and your personal views count.
You can email it or post it to your representatives in the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Please be aware this is devolved matter and your MP can support but not directly affect the process.
If you are unsure about who represents you then visit the website They Work for You and enter your postcode.
The more stories, points of view and real life experiences they have the more likely they are to support their party and vote to lift the ban on same sex marriage.
Please also consider contacted them and meeting in person or during a surgery discuss the matter face to face. The personal approach is important.
Many representatives will want to back the Bill, but they need our encouragement and declaration of support.
3.) Support the Equality Network’s campaign
The HSS have been working closely with the Equality Network’s campaign to lift the ban on Same Sex Marriage for a few years. Visit the Equal marriage website for more information on their petition, sign up to their Facebook page and twitter feed, watch videos and keep up with the latest news and event.
4.) Get Involved
HSS Members are welcome to discuss our same sex marriage policy in the forums or join the Same Sex Marriage policy team.
What’s next
Following a consultation response the bill on same sex marriage will move into a draft form providing it has the support of the Scottish parliament. HSS is looking forward to providing evidence to the bill’s committee in the future and sharing the experience, knowledge and the views of HSS.
