Civil partnerships could be extended to heterosexual couples under new plans being considered by SNP ministers.
The move comes shortly after the UK Government announced its intention to review civil partnership laws in England and Wales earlier this month.
Wrecking marriage
But Scotland for Marriage (S4M) has argued that opening civil parternships to heterosexual couples would destroy the institution of marriage.
“This won't redefine marriage; it will wreck it. It will introduce a marriage-lite alternative for straight couples who don't want to get hitched, giving them all of the rights of marriage with none of the matrimonial responsibilities,” the group said.
“The Westminster pension minister looked into extending civil partnerships to straight couples in England, and said it will cost the taxpayer £4 billion in public pension rights alone.”
Sacred covenant
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland, which backs S4M, said: “We are not surprised the Scottish Government would propose to offer civil partnerships on an equal basis to those people in opposite sex relationships.
“The Church of Scotland remains committed to its view that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman.”
Separate legislation to introduce same sex ‘marriage’ is expected to be brought before the Scottish Parliament before the summer recess at the end of the month.
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