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Home - News - Same sex marriage – a summary of the current situation

Same sex marriage – a summary of the current situation

There has been a great deal of media coverage lately regarding marriage for same sex couples extending from political arguments, to the religious perspective and the position taken by the Law society.
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Civil partnership currently allows same-sex couples to show their commitment to one another and also provides protection upon breakdown in the same way as a marriage does for opposite-sex couples, for example, maintenance, pension provision, child maintenance, next of kin and immigration rights.

Many countries including Canada, Spain, Portugal and Iceland already recognise same-sex marriage. Scotland could become the first part of the UK to introduce gay marriage after the SNP government announced plans to make the change. Ministers confirmed they would bring forward a bill on the issue, indicating the earliest ceremonies could take place by the start of 2015.

The religious perspective
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The Law Society perspective

Finally, what is the view of the Law Society on gay marriage? The Society agrees with removing the ban on same sex marriages to enable all couples regardless of gender to have a civil marriage ceremony. The current situation prevents equal access to a civil contract for same-sex couples. In the Law Society’s view, it therefore constitutes discrimination based on sexual orientation.

This is an area where there are strong views on both sides. The debate is sure to continue and the UK government will watch with interest the situation in Scotland.