NEWS: MP For Edinburgh: ‘Equal Marriage Is The Right and Natural Step’

<p>In a letter Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, Mike Crockart, told TheGayUK that 'Equal marriage is the right and natural step towards the modern, tolerant and progressive Scotland'</p> <p>by Newsdesk | 21st June 2013</p><p></p><p>Commenting on MPs voting in favour on same-sex marriage in the House of Commons in May, Mike Crockart MP for Edinburgh West, wrote the following letter.</p><p></p><p>Thank you for your letter about same sex marriage. I believe that love is the same for all couples, and have supported the campaign to allow same sex marriage.</p><p> </p><p>Like you, I feel strongly that, if a couple wish to show their love and commitment to each other, the State should not stand in their way.</p><p> </p><p>As you know, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was introduced by the Coalition Government and had its third reading in the House of Commons on 21st May. I was pleased to support the Bill.</p><p> </p><p>The introduction of the Bill is a significant step forward in the Liberal Democrats' campaign for equality. We are building a stronger economy in a fairer society, and crucial to that is equal rights for all. These changes will strengthen marriage in our society and ensure that it remains a modern and vibrant tradition.</p><p> </p><p>Previous Governments have shied away from taking action on equal marriage; I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are tackling the inequalities faced by the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community head on. I am pleased that after a shaky start the Scottish Government has also signalled its intention to support same sex marriage. Equal marriage is the right and natural step towards the modern, tolerant and progressive Scotland which I want to see.</p><p> </p><p>I am pleased at the Government’s plan to extend same-sex marriage ceremonies to religious institutions which wish to perform them. I believe that it is absolutely right that religious groups should be given the option to “opt-in” to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. But it is important that we respect religious organisations and no religious denomination will be forced to perform these kinds of ceremonies under the Coalition’s reforms; the Government will implement a legal guarantee to ensure that none will be compelled to. Both the Church of England and the Church in Wales will be explicitly protected in law.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst I recognise that some people are concerned about the nature of this reform, I hope that this reply has reassured you that that the Coalition Government respects the views of religious denominations. I believe that society is strengthened by celebrating the institution of marriage and the decision to extend marriage to a larger number of people in our society can only reinforce this view.</p><p> </p><p>I hope you find this response interesting. Please do feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance in the future.</p><p> </p><p>Kind regards</p><p> </p><p>Mike</p><p></p><p></p><p>Peers will resume the debate on the Marriage (same-sex) Bill on Monday in the House of Lords.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p>