CAMPAIGN GROUPS are being set up across the country in a bid to defeat controversial Scottish Government proposals for the legalisation same-sex marriages.
Legislation to allow gay marriage is due to be introduced before the next election in 2015 and it has become clear that the proposals have cross-party support within the Scottish Parliament.
There is fierce opposition, however, from faith groups, including the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church and Muslim groups and concerted efforts to fight the bill have now begun.
Among those in Courier Country set to spearhead the fight against the proposals is the Rev Bruce Dempsey.
He believes that the legalisation is at odds with the meaning and intention of “marriage” and would represent an attack on civil liberties.
As he claimed the “consultation” carried out to date had been a sham, he said the fallout from the issue could even cost MSPs their jobs.
Mr Dempsey, who has been minister of Coupar Angus Abbey Church of Scotland for the past 16 years, spoke out as the Scotland for Marriage Campaign steps up its activities.
He told The Courier: “The Bible and existing law declares marriage is defined as between one man and one woman.
“This is a matter of faith and not simply politics.
“The Prime Minister recently declared that he believes same sex couples should be able to be married in church.
“He is entitled to that opinion, but it should not be a matter to be legislated in the face of clear Christian teaching by either Scottish or national government.
“Two thirds of those who responded to the recent consultation on same sexmarriage opposed it but the Scottish Government is continuing to plan legislation in the face of public opinion.
“We are now taking the campaign direct to the people throughout the country to put pressure on the MSPs who will vote on the issue to explain their position to their constituents.”
Mr Dempsey went on: “If marriage was to be redefined, we face the prospect of employees being sacked for opposing same-sex marriage and couples being rejected as foster parents if they oppose the new legislation.
“Schoolchildren could also be forced to attend lessons, with books promoting same-sex relationships expected be used in primary schools across Scotland if marriage is redefined.
He continued: “Nobody voted for same sex marriage when they went to the ballot box at the last Holyrood election.
“MSPs will have a free vote on the issue but we plan to make sure the local electorate know what is happening in their name.
“It could be that MSPs risk losing their seats if they upset the significant numbers of voters who are vigorously opposed to such changes in the law.
“There may be a draft bill in place, but this fight is by no means over.”
mmckay@thecourier.co.uk