Catholic church calls for referendum...

[Robert]

... on same sex marriage in Scotland.

Britain's most senior Roman Catholic has urged the Scottish government to hold a referendum on proposals to legalise same-sex marriage.

Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships and the Holyrood government has insisted no part of the religious community would be forced to hold gay weddings in churches.
The issue has ignited a debate between gay rights supporters and the Catholic Church, which is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage.
"Clearly, if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence, it is crucial that we have one on marriage," he said, adding: "It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue.
"Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide."
Cardinal O'Brien has already authorised a plan to raise £100,000 through special church collections to support the Scotland For Marriage campaign against same-sex marriage.

If it wasn't for the fact it would cost a fortune, I'd be happy to have a referendum on this as I'm pretty confident the majority of the Scottish people, including a decent percentage of Catholics, would vote to allow same-sex marriage.

 

[faethor]

One of the problems I see is Marriage is a legal definition and a religious definition. I fully support breaking that bond. Perhaps Counties should have something like a Domestic Partnership and let the churches keep 'marriage' for their supported term. Let the Catholics define marriage how they will. Let Episcoplians define marriage as they will. And let them all be non-dependent and non-influcing on how States define a legal relationship contract. ... The old religious power are still trying to retain governing control of the masses. This is but another hurdle that needs to be knocked down so any one religion can't mandate their view of morality on society. Society should be built with those moralities that are equally accessible and acceptable to all religions.

 

[cecilia]

In the United States, marriage is regulated by the states. You get married where ever you like, just buy the license. Some people want to have the ceremony in a church / temple and others in their back yard (I've been to one of those).

So it's not a religious thing. it's only religious IF the people involved want to that way

 

[faethor]

I agree it's not a religious thing. I think the confusion comes in as the church and state use the same word for it. So those church goers are afraid of 'Gay' Marriage as it's an afront to their beliefs. I know it's not as simple as a definitional seperation. Though I think it'd help more than it'd hurt.