Same-sex marriage has been legalised in what was dubbed a “historic day in the history of the Scottish Parliament”.
MSPs voted to pass the Scottish Government’s Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill, which has been dogged by controversy, by a majority of 105 to 18.
Attempts to add “protection” for religious groups opposed to same-sex marriage were defeated before a full debate on the legislation.
Health Secretary Alex Neil stressed the Scottish Government “respected the decision” of religious groups that did not want to perform same-sex marriage, with protections included in the legislation “so they cannot be forced to solemnise a same-sexmarriage”.
He also said an amendment had been agreed to the UK Equality Act that would provide further protection for individual celebrants who did not wish to conduct same-sex weddings from court actions claiming discrimination.
Mr Neil said the legislation would “allow same-sex couples to do what thousands of opposite-sex couples do every year get married.”
It is now expected the first same-sex marriages will take place this October.
Jackie Baillie also backed the Bill, stating: “It’s time for change, it’s time to support equal marriage.”
Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said there was a “celebratory attitude” at Holyrood as the legislation was being debated.
Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume added: “In passing this legislation today, we’re making the proud statement that we’re not content to isolate a section of our diverse community.”
Patrick Harvie, Green MSP, said: “Holyrood may have taken a little longer to reach the final stage today, but for once we’ve ended up with better law as a result.”
North-East Scotland Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone, who opposed the Bill, praised both sides for showing “respect” at every stage of the debate.
However, he added: “It is perhaps a disappointment that none of the amendments that were brought forward were accepted by Parliament.”
The SNP’s Angus North and Mearns MSP, Nigel Don, revealed during the debate that he would be voting for the Bill, having opposed it when it first came to the Holyrood chamber because of religious concerns about the word marriage being “redefined”.
Tom French, policy coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Scotland can be proud that we now have one of the most progressive equal marriage bills in the world, and that we’ve sent out a strong message about the kind of country we are.”