A senior Catholic clergyman has voiced strong opposition to the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce homosexual ‘marriage’.
Bishop Tartaglia, of the diocese of Paisley, argued that should the Government allow for homosexual ‘marriage’, it would not deserve the trust of the Scottish people. He made the comments as part of his response to the Government’s consultation on the issue, which was launched last week.
The Bishop used tough language to challenge the State’s authority to re-define marriage, saying that:
“Marriage is an institution which does not owe its existence or rationale to governments or legislatures.
"Governments do not have the authority to say what marriage is or to change its nature or to decree that people of the same-sex can marry."
“A government which favours and allows for same-sex marriage does wrong. It fails in its duty to society. It undermines the common good. It commits an act of cultural vandalism.
“Such a government does not deserve the trust which the nation, and including many in the Catholic community, has shown in it.”
The Bishop also warned ministers that churches may be forced to solemnise homosexual partnerships against their will, a claim which has been denied by supporters of the proposals.
His comments followed those of Archbishop Conti, the Archbishop of Glasgow, who said over the weekend that homosexual ‘marriages’ would be “meaningless” as it would not result in the creation of a natural family.
The most senior Scottish catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, has previously said that legalising same-sex marriage would "shame Scotland in the eyes of the world".
The English Government recently closed its consultation on whether civil partnerships could be registered on religious premises.
In Christian Concern’s response to the consultation, the point was made that although the consent of faith groups is required under the proposed reforms, this may not be retained in the future given the push for the implementation of homosexual marriage equality and the increasing protection being afforded to homosexual rights under the Equality Act by the Judiciary.
Similar concerns are now being expressed over the Scottish Government’s proposals.
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented:
“Marriage is meant to be a life-long union between a man and a woman with a view to raising children who will have a mother and a father. Homosexual partnerships cannot offer an equivalent to this.
“This is an attempt by the Scottish Government to push a particular world view on the electorate and further normalise homosexual behaviour. This in turn has serious implications for freedom of belief and freedom of speech, as those who maintain a conscientious objection to homosexual behaviour are often severely penalised.”
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Resource
Christian Concern Consultation Response: Civil Partnerships on Religious Premises
Christian Concern: Sexual Orientation