The youth and student wings of Scotland’s political parties have today united to demand the Scottish Parliament legalise same-sex marriage.
The leaders of SNP Students, Scottish Labour Students, Scottish Young Labour, Conservative Future Scotland, Liberal Youth Scotland, and the Scottish Young Greens have written a joint letter to every MSP calling on them to pledge their support for the Equal Marriage campaign.
In the letter, the youth leaders call for a “progressive future for Scotland”, echoing Alex Salmond’s recent call for Scotland to be a “progressive beacon”.
They point out that “young people are united” in favour of equal marriage, and argue that “the current ban on same-sex marriage is discriminatory, and reinforces homophobia in society.”
The letter was welcomed by the Equality Network who hope it will put pressure on individual MSPs from all parties to clarify their position.
Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “We are delighted to see broad cross-party support for Equal Marriage from Scotland’s political youth movements. Today’s letter sends out a clear message to Holyrood; young people want to live in a modern, tolerant and diverse Scotland; free from prejudice and discrimination.
"Times have moved on, and attitudes have changed. We hope the Scottish Government will listen and bring forward legislation to lift the ban on same-sex marriage.”
Gail Lythgoe, Convener of SNP Students, added: “SNP Students supports a right to equal marriage for all those who want it and the right for all religious opinions to be respected. We must respect the different feelings and opinions on the issue from a variety of groups from across Scotland, and we believe that it is correct that there is a safeguard for those who may not want to solemnise same-sex marriages.
"Scotland is a place of inclusiveness, fairness and equality and it is time the law was changed to reflect these values.”
Since launching in 2008, the Equal Marriage campaign has received
backing from politicians across the political spectrum. Last week
opposition leaders in the Scottish Parliament signed a pledge to support
the campaign, whilst the Scottish Government have stated they are
‘minded’ to lift the ban on same-sex marriage.
The Scottish Government public consultation on same-sex marriage closed
on the 9 Dec with over 50,000 responses. The responses are currently
being analysed and the Government is expected to publish the results and
make a decision on whether to take forward legislation in May 2012.
Opinion polls suggest a majority of Scots support equal marriage,
including the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2010 which indicated 61%
support versus 19% opposition. This included a majority of respondents
following all the major faiths and political parties in Scotland.
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Full Text of the Letter:
Dear MSP,
We are writing to you as the leaders of the youth and student wings of Scotland’s political parties.
Whilst our members are traditionally more used to campaigning on opposite sides, today we are uniting to voice our strong support for the Equal Marriage campaign to lift the ban on same-sex marriage in Scotland.
Young people are united on this issue. Like the majority of Scots, we support full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
We believe that the current ban on same-sex marriage is discriminatory, and reinforces homophobia in society.
We want a progressive future for Scotland, where diversity is valued, and people are treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Given the current debate around same-sex marriage our members in your constituency would be interested to know your views on;
1) Whether you agree that the law in Scotland should be changed to allow same-sex marriage and mixed-sex civil partnership?
2) Whether you support freedom of religion, and therefore agree that those faith and belief groups that want to solemnize same-sex marriages and/or register civil partnerships should be allowed to do so?
3) Whether you agree that transgender people should no longer be forced to divorce in order to get full legal recognition of their true gender?
If you support the Equal Marriage campaign, we encourage you to show your support by signing up to the Equal Marriage Pledge: www.equalmarriage.org.uk/pledge
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours for equality,
Gail Lythgoe, Convener of SNP Students
Lewis Miller, Chair of Scottish Labour Students
Darren Young, Chair of Scottish Young Labour
Aric Gilinsky, President of Conservative Future Scotland
Sophie Bridger, President of Liberal Youth Scotland
David Weir, Convenor of Scottish Young Greens
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