Scotland becomes seventeenth country to approve same-sex marriages (huge margin)

[cali]

(Reuters) - Scotland voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to allow same-sex marriages, becoming the 17th country to give the green light to gay marriage despite opposition from its main church organizations.

The Scottish government, which will hold a referendum on independence from Britain in September, said passing the same-sex marriage bill was an important step for equal rights and paved the way for same-sex wedding ceremonies later this year.

The move was opposed by the Scottish Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland but the law will not compel religious institutions to hold ceremonies on their premises.

The approval, in a vote of 105 to 18 in Scotland's devolved parliament, follows similar legislation passed by the British parliament last year that allows same-sex marriage in England and Wales, with the first weddings to take place from March 29.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/04/us-britain-scotland-marriage-idUSBREA131N320140204

[LuvNewcastle]

1. I hope to get to visit Scotland one day.

I've met several Scots through the years, and they've all been fun people. Difficult as hell to understand sometimes, but fun nonetheless.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Great news!

Wonderful to hear the Scots have joined Wales and England in recognizing the full dignity of their LGBT citizens. They had one of the most touching pro-marriage videos I've ever seen:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/113728739

[William769]

3. Kick & recommended.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

4. Impressive margin.

Great news.

[Fumesucker]

5. What's a little gay marriage after something like this?

[cali]

6. lol. and I love bagpipes.