The Scottish government discussed voting on marriage equality on Tuesday and determined that it would create a subcommittee to examine issues before deciding on whether or how to continue with legislation. Proposals for a public referendum have been considered, but the government decided that it would not be appropriate.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond
“We compared the circumstances in which you have referendums and the issues on which you conduct them, and came to the conclusion that it wasn’t appropriate for a matter of conscience,” said First Minister Alex Salmond.
A consultation was conducted to find out how citizens of Scotland feel about marriage equality, but the results have not been released.
Cardinal Keith O’Brien feels that there should be a public vote because of “intense public interest.”
“In light of the unprecedented strength of response to the consultation paper, I remain eager to hear the outcome of the consultation and to have an indication of how the people of Scotland regard the issue.”
Though the government has essentially implied that marriage equality is a priority and it’s coming, many people feel that yesterday’s move to a subcommittee was frustrating and a step backwards.
“It’s very disappointing the Scottish government has once again delayed the decision to publish the consultation results, and reveal their own plans for equal marriage. It’s time to halt the hold-ups, end the delays, and put a stop to the speculation. Scotland’s young people have made their view clear, they deserve an answer from Scotland’s government,” said Grant Costello, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Photo: wikipedia.org
