Scotland must 'set the pace of change' on gay marriage
For immediate release 31 January 2012
Greens have welcomed today's demonstration of cross-party support for legislation lifting the ban on same-sex marriage in Scotland, and have called for a Bill to be published this year.
Patrick Harvie MSP joined with all other opposition leaders in signing the Equal Marriage campaign's pledge of support, ahead of what is expected to be the most well-attended reception ever hosted at Holyrood since the creation of the Scottish Parliament.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"It’s really encouraging to see so much support for Equal Marriage both inside Parliament and outside, and all that’s needed is for the Government to come forward with the legislation.
"I see no reason why a Bill couldn't be published this year, and I’m convinced that when MSPs have the chance to vote on this, Scotland will once again set the pace of change for the rest of the UK by backing equality for same-sex couples. This is a vital signal about the kind of progressive society that Scotland wants to be in the 21st century."