Scottish Health Secretary comments on same sex 'marriage' bill

Scotland's health secretary Alex Neil has claimed that civil registrars will not be forced to conduct same sex 'marriages' should a controversial bill to redefine marriage be passed into law.

He made the comments whilst taking questions from the Equal Opportunities Committee which is scrutinising legislation to introduce same sex 'marriage' in Scotland.

Responding to the comments, Andrea Williams of Christian Concern said: “Alex Neil cannot offer any guarantees that registrars will not be required to conduct same sex weddings. The reality says something very different.

“There have already been cases of civil registrars who have lost their jobs for refusing to officiate at same sex civil partnership ceremonies. In each case accommodations could have been made for other staff to step in, but conscience was not respected.
 
“With this harsh reality in mind, Mr Neil’s comments should be taken with a rather large pinch of salt.”

Last month, the Scottish Government announced that it will fast-track its bill through Parliament over the next six months, with the aim of introducing the legislation by March 2014.