Cardinal Keith O'Brien joins gay marriage opposition group

gay marriage{jcomments off}The leader of the Roman Catholic church in Scotland has, unsurprisingly, joined a new group opposing the introduction of gay marriage in the country.

The SNP administration in Scotland is currently holding a public consultation on marriage equality and is “inclined” towards legalising gay marriage. Unsurprisingly some so-called Christians, who have obviously missed the Love Thy Neighbour part of the bible, are opposed to such moves. The Catholic Church in Scotland has, in recent months, been highly critical of the public consultation and the SNP’s plans. One member described gay marriage as a “grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right“.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, has joined together with other opponents (who include former SNP leader Gordon Wilson and Ann Allen) to form a new group. Together they have held a protest outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh where the leaders gave speeches out-lining their opposition to gay marriage.

“As an institution, marriage long predates the existence of any state or government. It was not created by government and should not be changed by them.  Instead, recognising the innumerable benefits which marriage brings to society they should act to protect and uphold it not attack or dismantle it.  At the heart of this debate however there is one perspective which seems to be completely lost or ignored, it is the point of view of the child.  All children deserve to begin life with a mother and father, the evidence in favour of the stability and well being which this provides is overwhelming and unequivocal.” – Cardinal O’Brien as quoted by Pink News

Ann Allen spoke about how she felt same-sex marriage and traditional marriage would not be the same, if gay marriage were legalised. ‘As a former teacher I am concerned that children are going to be taught that same sex partnerships and traditional marriage are the same, which they are not. If the redefining of marriage goes ahead it will have far reaching consequences and as far as I can see none of them are positive.’ Quite what the possible negative consequences of legalising gay marriage isn’t clear.

Recent surveys in Scotland have put public support for marriage equality at 61% – well over a majority of Scots. Going by those results the opponents to gay marriage are in the minority but are certainly a vocal minority. However, they have attracted some criticism over their stance and choice of wording while opposing marriage equality. The debate is likely to rage on for quite some time to come yet.

(Via Pink News)