Same-sex marriage Bill makes progress

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill has passed stage one in the Scottish Parliament after MSPs voted 98 to 15 in favour of the legislation, with five abstentions, reports the BBC.

The Bill was introduced in the Parliament on 26th June 2013 and covers the following key matters relating to marriage law:

• the introduction of same-sex marriage,
• putting belief celebrants on the same footing as religious celebrants,
• the arrangements for authorising celebrants to solemnise opposite-sex and same-sex marriage,
• civil partnerships changing to marriage,
• the authorisation of Church of Scotland deacons to solemnise opposite-sex marriage,
• allowing civil marriage ceremonies in any place agreed between the couple and the registrar, other than religious premises, and
• allowing married transgender people to obtain full gender recognition without a requirement to divorce.

The Bill also introduces the religious and belief registration of civil partnerships.

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