The Christian Institute » Scotland

Pope snubs Scottish First Minister over gay marriage

Roger Jordan — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:31:38 +0000

Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, has been banned from meeting the Pope because of proposals to redefine marriage. Mr Salmond had hoped to put himself on the world stage by meeting the Pope at the Vatican ahead of a Scottish referendum on independence. But Roman Catholic leaders blocked the move because the meeting would have [...]

Redefining marriage would be ‘huge social experiment’

Sam Wylie — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:54:01 +0000

Redefining marriage would be a “huge social experiment, in which the guinea pigs are children”, a Free Church of Scotland report has warned. The official report also cautioned that the Scottish Government is “legitimising and encouraging the existence of fatherless or motherless children” through its plans to redefine marriage. The comments come as the Government [...]

Imams tell all Muslims: vote to defend marriage

Mike Judge — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:17:39 +0000

Imams in Glasgow have told all Muslims throughout Scotland not to vote for any local election candidate on 3 May who supports redefining marriage. The news will trouble the leaders of major parties, all of whom have indicated their personal support for the plan. A statement was issued yesterday by the Council of Glasgow Imams [...]

Voters deliver gay marriage protest petition to Sturgeon

Roger Jordan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:17 +0000

A petition opposing the redefinition of marriage has been presented to Scotland’s Deputy First Minister. Representatives from a Roman Catholic group handed the petition, which was signed by 1,000 people, to Nicola Sturgeon at her surgery. Brian Henry, the petition’s organiser, said: “We don’t see any reason for a change in the law.” Marriage The [...]

SNP wants ‘families first’ but still mulls redefining marriage

Sam Wylie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:37:03 +0000

The Scottish National Party (SNP) wants to put “families first” in Glasgow – but at the same time is considering redefining marriage across the country. The leader of the SNP Group in Glasgow, Councillor Allison Hunter, said an administration led by her party would deliver a “fairer deal for local families”. But the Scottish Government, [...]

Widow of top Lib Dem quits party over gay marriage

Gordon Bell — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:14:01 +0000

The widow of a former deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats has resigned from the party after almost 50 years because of its plans to redefine marriage. In a letter printed in a Scottish national newspaper last week, Lady Joan Johnston said gay marriage was the ‘straw that has finally broken the camel’s back’. She [...]

Poll shows most Scots don’t want marriage redefined

Gordon Bell — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:20:32 +0000

Most Scots do not want marriage to be redefined, according to a new survey. An Opinion Research Business poll of over 1,000 Scottish adults found that 53 per cent agreed that homosexual couples should not be allowed to redefine marriage for everyone else. It revealed 36 per cent disagreed. The Scottish Government is still analysing [...]

Poll – redefining marriage ‘disastrous’ for independence

Gordon Bell — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:16:53 +0000

A new poll says Scots are less likely to back independence if the Scottish Government redefines marriage. The survey of 1,004 voters showed 11 per cent are less likely to vote to end the union if same-sex marriage is legalised. Just two per cent were more likely to vote for independence as a result. The [...]

Council may bar school kids from lining up by their sex

Roger Jordan — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:19:24 +0000

Primary school children could be barred from lining up for class as boys and girls to stop “gender stereotyping”, under controversial plans being considered by a Scottish council. Edinburgh City Council is also considering stopping primary schools from separating boys and girls at school sports days. But Ann Ballinger, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary [...]

Scots Tory leader under fire over gay marriage pledge

Roger Jordan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:52 +0000

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson is facing a backlash after she controversially signed a pledge calling for the redefinition of marriage. Earlier this week Miss Davidson joined the leaders of Holyrood’s other opposition parties in signing a pledge saying that they would “campaign to beat the ban on same sex marriage”. The move was criticised [...]

Scots opposition leaders sign pledge to redefine marriage

Roger Jordan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:25:08 +0000

The leaders of Holyrood’s opposition parties have committed themselves to “campaign” for the redefinition of marriage, despite widespread opposition to any change. The leaders of the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green parties signed a pledge calling for the change at an event at Holyrood yesterday. But John Deighan, of the Roman Catholic Church in [...]

MSP in second bid to change the law on assisted suicide

Roger Jordan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:21:56 +0000

An Independent MSP has launched a second attempt to overturn the law against assisted suicide in Scotland, but critics warn it would set a dangerous precedent. Margo MacDonald’s last attempt to legalise assisted suicide was soundly rejected in 2010 by 85 votes to 16. Now the Lothians MSP has launched a consultation on a proposed [...]

Charity aims for joint ‘sexting’ prevention pilot with police

Gordon Bell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:03 +0000

A Scottish children’s charity is hoping to establish a joint pilot project with the police to tackle the growing problem of “sexting” in Scotland. “Sexting” – the practice of sending sexually explicit images via text, email and social networking websites – has become an increasing concern amidst other types of sexual exploitation of youngsters on [...]

Midwives claim NHS ignored abortion objections

Gordon Bell — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:30:06 +0000

Two Roman Catholic midwives have taken the NHS to court, claiming their conscientious objections to abortions have been ignored. Mary Doogan, 57, and Concepta Wood, 51, who work at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital, argue that being forced to supervise staff taking part in the procedures violates their human rights. Mrs Wood says the issue has [...]

Former Scottish Tory leader dismisses same-sex marriage

Gordon Bell — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:35 +0000

The former head of the Scottish Conservative Party has told constituents he will not be supporting the redefinition of marriage. Edinburgh MSP David McLetchie argued that homosexual couples already had the same legal rights through civil partnerships and there was no reason for change. Mr McLetchie said: “I welcome the establishment of civil partnerships in [...]

SNP considers plan to buy off concerns over gay marriage

Roger Jordan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:30:25 +0000

The Scottish Government is considering redefining marriage but barring same-sex ceremonies from religious settings, media reports have suggested. Earlier this month the SNP Government closed its consultation on its plan to rewrite the definition of marriage. It received tens of thousands of responses. But at the weekend allegations emerged that the SNP is exploring how [...]

Scottish Muslims could desert SNP over gay marriage plans

Roger Jordan — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:38:29 +0000

The Scottish Government risks losing votes from the nation’s Muslim community with its plans to redefine marriage, Muslim leaders have warned. The Government, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), held a consultation on the controversial issue which closed last Friday after receiving tens of thousands of responses. Now the Muslim Council of Scotland has [...]

Scots morning-after pill prescriptions rocket

Sam Wylie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:30:15 +0000

Prescriptions of the morning-after pill have trebled in just three years in Scotland after pharmacists began giving the drug out to girls as young as 13. New figures show more than 2,300 morning-after pills (MAPs), which can cause an early stage abortion, were handed out in Scotland every week last year. Norman Wells, Director of [...]

SNP allows English to join gay marriage consultation

Sam Wylie — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:37:24 +0000

The Nationalist-led Scottish Government has confirmed that its consultation on gay marriage is open to anyone in England and elsewhere outwith Scotland. Submit your response (consultation ends tomorrow). Pro-gay marriage campaigners have been urging people outwith Scotland to respond to the consultation, which ends tomorrow. And now the Scottish Government has publicly confirmed it will [...]

Skirts for boys: Schoolboy takes demand to Holyrood

Sam Wylie — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:47 +0000

A Scots schoolboy has taken his demand for boys to be allowed to wear skirts to the Scottish Parliament. Luca Scarabello claims that male and female uniforms “do not serve any practical purpose”, and pose a problem for gender variant pupils. Mr Scarabello, who is 13, made the call in a petition to MSPs last [...]

Now Scots Episcopal Church says NO to redefining marriage

Roger Jordan — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:48:07 +0000

The Scottish Episcopal Church has joined the burgeoning ranks of those opposing the Scottish Government’s plans to redefine marriage. The Government, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), is holding a consultation on whether to rewrite the definition of marriage. The consultation will close on Friday. In its response the Episcopal Church has reiterated its [...]

English RC leader welcomes ‘Scotland for Marriage’

Sam Wylie — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:00:22 +0000

A campaign group which is seeking to preserve the definition of marriage for Scotland has been welcomed by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. Archbishop Vincent Nichols said the group’s name, Scotland for Marriage, gave a “very positive message”. He commented that a similar message was needed for England – [...]

Church of Scotland: Keep current definition of marriage

Sam Wylie — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:30:40 +0000

Redefining marriage would “fundamentally” change the institution, the Church of Scotland has said. In its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the issue, the Kirk rejected plans to change the definition of marriage to allow for same-sex couples. It said such a move may also have “significant and, as yet, inadequately considered repercussions for [...]

New group, ‘Scotland for Marriage’, launched today

Mike Judge — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:20:23 +0000

A new campaign group to stop marriage being redefined in Scotland has been launched today – St Andrew’s Day – in front of hundreds of supporters. Over 200 people gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to mark the start of “Scotland for Marriage”. Former SNP leader, Gordon Wilson, spoke at the event welcoming the [...]

Lewis Kirk Presbytery says don’t redefine marriage

Roger Jordan — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:39:07 +0000

The Scottish Government should drop its controversial plans to rewrite the definition of marriage, a Church of Scotland presbytery has said. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on whether to rewrite the definition of marriage. The consultation is due to close on 9 December. Now the Kirk Presbytery of Lewis has responded to the consultation [...]

Free expression clause added to Scots anti-sectarianism Bill

Roger Jordan — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:27:16 +0000

The Scottish Government has added a free speech clause into its anti-sectarianism Bill, but critics are still questioning the need for new legislation. Earlier this week MSPs on Holyrood’s justice committee met to vote on a series of amendments for the Government’s beleaguered Bill. The Committee voted in favour of the freedom of expression clause, [...]

Don’t redefine marriage, warn Scottish Free Presbyterians

Roger Jordan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:31:31 +0000

The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland has warned that redefining marriage will be harmful to the foundations of society. The Scottish Government is currently holding a public consultation on whether marriage should be redefined in law to introduce same-sex marriage. The Free Presbyterian Church has strongly urged the Scottish National Party administration not to change [...]

MSPs question sectarianism bill after rise in banning orders

Roger Jordan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:30:14 +0000

A surge in football banning orders has led politicians to doubt the need for a controversial Bill to tackle sectarianism. Between April and October fifty football banning orders (FBOs) were issued, five more than in the whole of the previous year. Most of the FBOs were related to sectarian or violent offences. The increase in [...]

Evangelicals urge Salmond not to redefine marriage

Roger Jordan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:13:49 +0000

Over 70 of Scotland’s largest evangelical churches, attended by more than 20,000 people, have signed an open letter to First Minister Alex Salmond urging him not to redefine marriage. Read the letter and the list of signatories. The Scottish Government is currently holding a public consultation on whether marriage should be redefined in law to [...]

Concern over Govt response to RC marriage postcards

Sam Wylie — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:54:21 +0000

The Scottish Government has suggested it will categorise Roman Catholic postcard responses differently to other individual responses in its consultation on redefining marriage. The Roman Catholic Church has sent out postcards to parishioners on the issue and has already received over 14,000 completed cards. The cards state: “Please let the Scottish Government know that I [...]

New Scots Tory leader backs same-sex marriage

Sam Wylie — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:38:33 +0000

Ruth Davidson, the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives, supports redefining marriage for the sake of same-sex couples. Miss Davidson, a lesbian, says she does not want religious organisations to be forced to carry out same-sex wedding ceremonies against their wishes. However, opponents of redefining marriage say if the definition was changed the new definition [...]

RC leader: opposition to same-sex marriage overwhelming

Sam Wylie — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:02:35 +0000

Scots’ opposition to redefining marriage is strong and deeply held, according to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. Cardinal Keith O’Brien was speaking as the Roman Catholic Church sent out a second wave of 100,000 postcards to help parishioners make their views known. Cardinal O’Brien commented: “We have been over-whelmed at the [...]

Muslims and Roman Catholics meet to protect marriage

Roger Jordan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:26 +0000

Muslim and Roman Catholic leaders in Scotland are to hold a meeting to discuss their shared concerns about the Scottish Government’s plans to redefine marriage. Bashir Maan, spokesman for Glasgow Central Mosque – the largest in Scotland – has confirmed that senior figures from both groups will meet to discuss a joint response to the [...]

SNP go it alone to force sectarianism Bill forward

Sam Wylie — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:48:45 +0000

The Scottish National Party (SNP) yesterday forced forward its controversial sectarianism legislation in the face of a united opposition from the other main parties. MSPs from opposition parties criticised the Bill as “rushed” and “flawed” after the Government had used its majority to win a crucial vote on the legislation. The Christian Institute and church [...]

Redefining marriage could have ‘massive impact’

Roger Jordan — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:09 +0000

Redefining marriage so that couples of the same sex can get married could have a “massive impact” on society, the Scottish Government has been warned. The Government, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), is currently holding a consultation on whether to rewrite the definition of marriage. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Paisley met the [...]

Councillors in Glasgow vote in favour of redefining marriage

Roger Jordan — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:30:41 +0000

Councillors in Glasgow have backed the Scottish Government’s controversial plans to redefine marriage, despite widespread opposition to any change. The Government, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), is currently holding a consultation on whether to rewrite the definition of marriage. Last Thursday councillors at Glasgow City Council unanimously backed a motion supporting the controversial [...]

Opposition parties unite against sectarianism Bill

Roger Jordan — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:58 +0000

Scotland’s main opposition parties have accused the Scottish Government of failing “to make the case” for its anti-sectarianism Bill ahead of a debate in Holyrood this afternoon. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens have branded the Bill “muddled”, “slapdash”, “ill-thought-out” and a “shambles”. The Christian Institute and church groups believe the [...]

Ex-SNP leader: I was victim of gay marriage ‘lynch mob’

Roger Jordan — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:32:17 +0000

Former Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage. Earlier this month Mr Wilson responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea. He said: “You [...]

CAB dumps former SNP chief for traditional marriage views

Mike Judge — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:36:31 +0000

Former leader of the Scottish National Party, Gordon Wilson, has been kicked off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – because of his support for traditional marriage. Earlier this month Mr Wilson responded to a Government consultation on redefining marriage, saying he was opposed to the idea. He said: “You attack the building [...]

Scots Govt to press on with Sectarianism Bill

Sam Wylie — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:21:44 +0000

The Scottish Government will carry on with its controversial Sectarianism Bill – despite criticism that it is needless and may damage free speech. Roseanna Cunningham – the Minister responsible for the Bill – does not accept that the legislation is unnecessary and unpopular. However football clubs, faith groups, politicians and a prominent Scottish historian have [...]

Govt has ‘no view’ on a Scots referendum on gay marriage

Roger Jordan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:32:44 +0000

The Scottish Office has told a Westminster Committee that it has no view on whether redefining marriage in Scotland should be subject to a referendum. The Scottish Government is currently holding a consultation on whether to rewrite the traditional definition of marriage so that people of the same sex can marry. However, earlier this month [...]

MSP re-launches bid to change the law on assisted suicide

Roger Jordan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:02:39 +0000

An Independent MSP has re-launched her controversial campaign to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland, even though her previous attempt was soundly defeated. Margo MacDonald tried to pass legislation to legalise assisted suicide last year, but her Bill was comprehensively rejected by MSPs in December. Now the Independent Lothian MSP has submitted a proposed consultation document [...]

RC Archbishop warns of legal risk of redefining marriage

Roger Jordan — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:00:47 +0000

The Scottish Government risks making the beliefs of many Scots “unlawful” if it redefines marriage, one of Scotland’s most senior Roman Catholics has warned. Mario Conti, the Archbishop of Glasgow, has cautioned that a “hugely significant number” of Scots would be “vulnerable to accusations of discrimination” if they support traditional marriage. His comments come just [...]

Millionaire SNP donor hits out at redefining marriage

Roger Jordan — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:49:52 +0000

Sir Tom Farmer, the wealthy founder of Kwik-Fit and a Scottish National Party (SNP) donor, has criticised the party’s plans to redefine marriage. The 71-year-old also suggested that the Scottish Government had “alienated” itself from “large parts of the population”. Speaking to The Sunday Herald the Roman Catholic entrepreneur said: “Most people would see a [...]

Christmas snubbed by Scottish Government

Roger Jordan — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:17:32 +0000

The Scottish Government has come under fire for completely failing to mention Christmas in its “Winter Festivals” programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all. Bashir Maan, a prominent figure in Glasgow’s Muslim community, [...]

RC bishop: ‘marriage older than the state’

Sam Wylie — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:30:03 +0000

The family and marriage “existed before the state”, a Roman Catholic bishop has said as he criticised Scottish Government moves to consider redefining marriage. Motherwell Bishop Joseph Devine warned that governments cannot “rewrite human nature”. His comments chime with RC Bishop Thomas McMahon who warned that redefining marriage would change how the institution has been [...]

Celtic Chairman warns of sectarianism Bill ‘dangers’

Sam Wylie — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:17:09 +0000

Celtic Football Club’s departing Chairman last week said the SNP’s controversial sectarianism legislation contains “real dangers” and should be “remedied”. Lord John Reid, who stepped down as Celtic’s Chairman on Friday, cautioned that elements of the sectarianism Bill are needless. And while welcoming the delay in implementing the legislation, he also warned that now “the [...]

Homosexual education pack axed from Scottish schools

Sam Wylie — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:42:31 +0000

A Government-backed booklet which told Scottish schools to promote homosexual issues even if parents objected has been withdrawn, after concerns were raised by Christians. The material also told schools to run ‘diversity events’ for teachers and parents and adopt a specific lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ‘charter of rights’. The booklet advised that “in [...]

Veteran SNP activist blasts plans to rewrite marriage

Mike Judge — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:25:02 +0000

A “politically correct secular society” that redefines marriage is not my idea of an independent Scotland, an SNP activist has said. In a strong rebuke to his own party, 75-year-old Alan Clayton has called for deputy leader, Nicola Sturgeon, to resign over the issue. He also hit out at the SNP’s controversial sectarianism Bill – [...]

Former SNP leader calls for marriage referendum

Mike Judge — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:16:17 +0000

The people of Scotland should be allowed to decide whether they want marriage to be redefined, the former leader of the Scottish National Party has said. Gordon Wilson – who led the party from 1979 to 1990 – is now Chairman of Dundee-based Christian group, Solas. The group’s Director is Revd David Robertson of the [...]

Free speech pledge for Scots sectarian Bill

Roger Jordan — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:53:37 +0000

The Scottish Government has promised to include a free speech clause in its controversial anti-sectarianism Bill, but details have yet to be revealed. There has been widespread concern that the Bill – which aims to tackle sectarian hatred – is ill-conceived and may harm free speech and religious liberty. The promise of a free speech [...]

RC Church steps up marriage campaign

Roger Jordan — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:58:08 +0000

Every Roman Catholic in Scotland has been urged by the Church to resist the controversial proposals to redefine marriage. Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti, has written to every RC parish in the country saying the Scottish Government does not have a mandate to “reconstruct society on ideological grounds”. And 100,000 campaign postcards have been printed [...]

Free Church backs RCs in opposing same-sex marriage

Jane Leung — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:50:07 +0000

The Free Church of Scotland has added its voice to that of the Roman Catholic Church in speaking out against moves to rewrite the definition of marriage. The Free Church Commission said that to change the meaning of marriage shows “an irrational determination to force a form of equality upon society, which is not rooted [...]

Opposition MSPs slam needless sectarian Bill

Jane Leung — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:27:03 +0000

The Scottish Government’s beleaguered sectarianism Bill was dealt a fresh blow when MSPs from opposition parties on an influential committee voted against it. MSPs from Labour, Lib Dem and the Conservatives on Holyrood’s Justice Committee all withdrew their support for the ‘confusing’ new laws aimed at tackling sectarianism. But the Offensive Behaviour at Football and [...]

Scottish sectarianism bill continues to sow confusion

Roger Jordan — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:30:45 +0000

Confusion continues to reign over the Scottish government’s plans to crackdown on sectarianism after one of its own ministers gave a “shambolic” explanation of the bill to MSPs. The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill was drafted to crackdown on sectarianism. But Roseanna Cunningham MSP stunned MSPs earlier this week when she said [...]

‘Confusion reigns’ over Scots sectarianism bill

Sam Wylie — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:12:32 +0000

MSPs have met with the Scottish Government’s main legal advisor as confusion continues to surround the SNP’s controversial sectarianism legislation. Frank Mulholland – the Lord Advocate – has recently produced draft guidelines which set out how the legislation would work in practice, if it became law. But Scottish Labour’s James Kelly has said: “Despite these [...]

Prof: sectarianism bill could damage Scots law

Sam Wylie — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:59:29 +0000

A prominent Scottish historian has warned new sectarianism legislation could bring Scottish law “into disrepute”. Tom Devine, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, added to the criticism surrounding the sectarianism bill as he gave evidence to a Holyrood parliamentary committee. There is widespread concern that the bill damages free speech and civil liberty. Disaster [...]

BBC star calls RC Church ‘evil’ for defending marriage

Roger Jordan — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:19:04 +0000

BBC actor John Barrowman has launched a blistering attack on the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland for defending the traditional definition of marriage. Earlier this month the Scottish Government, led by the Scottish National Party, launched a consultation on whether to redefine marriage but the proposal has met fierce opposition from senior figures within the [...]

SNP does not deserve RC votes, says Church

Roger Jordan — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:39:07 +0000

The Scottish Government does not deserve the support of Scotland’s 800,000 Roman Catholics because of its proposal to redefine marriage, the Church has warned. And the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has cautioned that redefining marriage would have serious repercussions for Scottish schools and society. Earlier this month the Scottish Government, led [...]

Plans to redefine marriage meet fierce opposition

Roger Jordan — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:35:52 +0000

Any attempt to fundamentally redefine marriage in Scotland will be “strenuously opposed”, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has warned. Last week the Scottish Government released a consultation on whether to change the definition of marriage for the sake of homosexual marriage. But Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of the Roman Catholic Church [...]

Celtic and Rangers cast doubt on sectarianism bill

Sam Wylie — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:25:32 +0000

Rangers and Celtic football clubs say the Scottish Government’s sectarianism bill may be unnecessary, in a blow to the controversial legislation. The Christian Institute is concerned that the bill damages free speech and civil liberty. In written submissions to the Scottish Parliament, Celtic said the law may criminalise innocent fans and Rangers were concerned that [...]

Scots same-sex marriage consultation launched

Sam Wylie — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:58:38 +0000

A public consultation on whether to change the definition of marriage to allow for same-sex marriage in Scotland has been launched today. The Scottish Government is also asking the public whether religious ceremonies should be allowed for homosexual civil partnerships. The consultation document says the Scottish Government’s initial view is that it supports redefining marriage [...]

Pressure mounts for further delay of sectarianism Bill

Sam Wylie — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:51:38 +0000

The Scottish Government should put its controversial sectarianism Bill on hold for a year, according to a former senior police officer. The call, from Graeme Pearson, has received support from a leading lawyer and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s Bill is a response to incidents of sectarian hatred that flared up [...]

SNP Govt to consult on gay marriage ‘later this year’

Nigel Kenny — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:05:23 +0000

A public consultation on whether to redefine marriage in Scotland will be launched before the end of 2011, the Scottish Government has said. A spokeswoman told The Scotsman newspaper: “The Scottish Government is committed to holding a consultation on the issues of same-sex marriage and civil partnership, with the process beginning later this year.” Campaigners [...]

Scottish sexual infections treble in just ten years

Roger Jordan — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:12:24 +0000

Cases of sexually transmitted infections in Scotland have trebled in the space of just ten years, prompting critics to call for a re-think in sexual health policy. The sharpest rise was in cases of genital chlamydia, with the number of diagnoses rocketing from 5,676 in 1999 to 18,277 in 2009. During the same period diagnoses [...]

Smart phones breeding more problem gamblers

Roger Jordan — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:15:25 +0000

The number of women falling into debt through online gambling has risen sharply in the past year with smart phones fuelling the surge. The RCA Trust, an addiction counselling charity, has logged a 15 per cent increase in the number of women getting into debt through internet poker and bingo. The Trust says it has [...]

Let disabled people choose death, says MSP

Roger Jordan — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:55:47 +0000

People born with disabilities who ‘lose the will to live’ would be eligible to end their lives under controversial new legislation proposed for the Scottish Parliament. This is the second attempt by Margo MacDonald MSP to legalise assisted suicide. Her first bill was roundly rejected by the Scottish Parliament. But the Independent MSP now intends [...]

Scots civil servants banned from saying ‘homosexual’

Roger Jordan — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:35:23 +0000

Civil servants in Scotland can no longer use the word “homosexual” because it is deemed offensive to gay men, according to new guidance from the Scottish Government. The guidance states: “It is not acceptable to use the word ‘homosexual’, this term is offensive to many people as it is the term that was used in [...]

Sectarian Bill: Court action halted after delay

Roger Jordan — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:09:17 +0000

A court case against the Scottish Government has been halted, following news that the sectarianism Bill will be delayed by six months. The legal action was taken by The Christian Institute and CARE for Scotland, amid concern that the Bill was being rushed without proper public consultation. The two groups are concerned that civil liberty [...]

Court bid to halt rushed sectarianism Bill

Roger Jordan — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:09:53 +0000

Legal action is being taken in the Court of Session in Edinburgh to put the brakes on the Scottish Government’s lightning-fast timetable for a Bill to tackle sectarian hatred. The Bill is a response to a series of nasty incidents of sectarian hatred during the last Scottish football season. But the Bill goes much wider [...]

Two more churches mull Kirk departure over gay row

Sam Wylie — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:30:56 +0000

A further two churches are openly considering leaving the Church of Scotland (C of S) as the fallout continues from its decision to permit openly homosexual clergy. Stornoway High Church’s congregation will vote on their future at the end of this month in a secret ballot. Their interim moderator, Revd Andrew Coghill, said last month [...]

First church set to split from the Kirk over gay clergy row

Roger Jordan — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 06:56:27 +0000

The Church of Scotland looks set to lose its first congregation following its decision to permit openly homosexual clergy last month. The congregation at Gilcomston South Church in Aberdeen will formally vote on whether to leave the Kirk later this year. Revd Dominic Smart, the church’s minister, said the Kirk’s governing body had “marginalised the [...]

Cannabis can be relaxing, NHS health group tells teens

Sam Wylie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:30:08 +0000

Smoking cannabis and tobacco can be “relaxing” and make people “feel more at ease”, a Scottish health agency is telling young people. The remarks come in Fags ‘n’ Hash, a booklet which has been criticised for being likely to encourage use of cannabis. The booklet says the best way to reduce harms with tobacco is [...]

Second minister set to quit Kirk over gay clergy row

Roger Jordan — Tue, 31 May 2011 14:33:27 +0000

The Church of Scotland is set to lose another minister following its decision to permit openly homosexual clergy last week. Revd Andrew Coghill had previously warned the Kirk’s governing body that ordaining homosexual ministers would destroy the church. Now he has announced his resignation saying that he cannot remain in the church following its departure [...]

Kirk gay vote sparks motions of dissent

Sam Wylie — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:06:08 +0000

A “substantial” number of members of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly have signed motions of dissent over a decision to allow lesbians and homosexual men to serve as church ministers. Some 120 commissioners objected to the Assembly’s move earlier this week which applies to clergy who have declared their homosexuality and were ordained before [...]

Church of Scotland votes for gay clergy

Mike Judge — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:55:16 +0000

The Church of Scotland has voted in favour of allowing homosexual men and lesbians to serve as church ministers. The decision, taken yesterday at the General Assembly, applies to clergy who have declared their homosexuality and were ordained before May 2009. The future ordination and training of gay and lesbian clergy will be decided in [...]

MSP to try again with assisted suicide bill

Sam Wylie — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:58:49 +0000

Margo MacDonald says she wants to launch a fresh attempt to change the law in Scotland to make assisted suicide legal, despite her failed bid just last year. A free vote in the Scottish Parliament in December saw the Independent MSP’s End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill fall to a comprehensive 85-16 defeat. Now the [...]

SNP Govt urged to make gay marriage a top priority

Nigel Kenny — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:19 +0000

A homosexual lobby group has called upon Scotland’s new government to fundamentally redefine marriage. Within hours of a historic win at the polls, the SNP majority government was being urged by the Equality Network to consult on same-sex marriage. And Daniel Donaldson of the charity said: “We hope and expect that a consultation will now [...]

SNP leader backs same-sex marriage

Sam Wylie — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:10:01 +0000

Alex Salmond has said he personally supports homosexual marriage, in comments which mean he has gone further than his party’s manifesto pledge. The Scottish National Party (SNP) say they want to “begin a process of consultation and discussion” on the issue. Asked whether he was personally in favour of same-sex marriage, Mr Salmond said: “I [...]

Scottish Greens call for full same-sex marriage

Sam Wylie — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:46:08 +0000

The Scottish Green Party has given its backing to full homosexual marriage and civil partnerships for heterosexual couples. The Scottish Greens say they also want legislation to allow church ministers and other religious officials to conduct civil partnerships. And the Party, which had two MSPs in the last Parliament, wants to “begin a dialogue with [...]

RC Church blasts Scottish same-sex marriage push

Sam Wylie — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:39:40 +0000

Calls in Scotland for marriage to be fundamentally redefined for homosexual marriage have come under fire from the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. John Deighan, the Parliamentary Officer for the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, asked: “Are we saying that, for the past few thousand years, Western civilisation has been wrong and because of the [...]

SNP manifesto: We will discuss same-sex marriage

Nigel Kenny — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:32:33 +0000

The SNP has pledged to consult on same-sex marriage, it was announced yesterday. The party made the pledge in the ‘Wellbeing’ section of its manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary elections, which are to be held on 5 May. The move comes just days after the Scottish Labour Party announced it would consult on ‘options’ regarding [...]

Scottish Labour pledges same-sex marriage ‘options’

Sam Wylie — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:17:45 +0000

The Scottish Labour Party says “the time is now” to consult on “options” for radically redefining marriage to allow homosexual couples to marry. The Scottish Liberal Democrats have given their full support to homosexual marriage. In addition, the party wants to allow heterosexual civil partnerships. Both parties have made the controversial commitments in their official [...]

Equality quango’s same-sex marriage call is ‘partisan’

Sam Wylie — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:30:28 +0000

A call by Scotland’s equality quango for marriage to be redefined to allow homosexuals to ‘marry’ has been blasted as “partisan” and “ill-judged” by the Parliamentary Officer of the Scottish Roman Catholic Church. Earlier this month the controversial Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Scotland urged the Scottish Government to start looking at the [...]

Cameron surrounded by secularists, says RC Bishop

Sam Wylie — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:32:25 +0000

David Cameron has surrounded himself with religiously illiterate, secularist advisers and religious liberty is suffering, a Roman Catholic Bishop has said. Joseph Devine, Bishop of Motherwell, said the coalition was carrying on from the previous Labour Government, forcing people to act against their conscience or face punishment from the state. Writing in the Scottish Sunday [...]

Christian group wants seedy ‘sex saunas’ to close down

Sam Wylie — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:58:47 +0000

A Christian charity wants sleazy ‘sex saunas’ in Scotland to have their licences “revoked immediately” if suggested illegal activities are going on. CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) also made clear that it backs a move by Scottish Labour politician Trish Godman to make it an offence to purchase sex. Gordon Macdonald, from the charity’s [...]

MSPs resoundingly reject ‘dangerous’ end-of-life bill

Sam Wylie — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:47:27 +0000

Scottish politicians yesterday threw out a controversial bid to make assisted suicide legal in the country. MSPs voted 85 to 16 against the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill in a free vote. There were two abstentions. There had been widespread opposition to the contentious proposals and the Scottish Parliament committee responsible for scrutinising the [...]

Scottish end-of-life bill expected to be rejected

Roger Jordan — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:48:50 +0000

A controversial attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland is expected to be voted down by MSPs later today. Margo MacDonald’s End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill would allow the terminally ill to seek assistance in ending their lives. The controversial Bill has faced fierce and widespread opposition, and last month the Holyrood committee responsible [...]

Soft porn for jails seen as ‘soft touch approach’

Nigel Kenny — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:03:57 +0000

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has come under fire for plans to install digital TVs in Scotland’s prison cells – giving inmates access to soft porn channels. Opposition MSPs have reacted furiously at proposals for prisoners to have access to over 100 digital channels in their cells, saying it will outrage ordinary members of the [...]

Scots end-of-life Bill is ‘dangerous’, say GPs

Sam Wylie — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:24:07 +0000

We will never accept that some human lives are unworthy of life, 47 GPs have said in a letter to a national newspaper, voicing their concern over a bill to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland. Writing to The Scotsman the doctors cautioned that, if the bill was passed, people may consider assisted suicide or euthanasia [...]

Assisted suicide bill fails to persuade Holyrood committee

Jane Leung — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:34 +0000

An attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland has failed to gain the endorsement of a Scottish Parliament committee. The committee concluded that it was “not convinced” the law needed changing and said it could not recommend the Bill when it comes before MSPs for a crucial vote next week. Doctors’ leaders and campaigners have [...]

Scots End–of-life Bill could lead to 1,000 deaths a year

Roger Jordan — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:04:06 +0000

Legalising assisted suicide in Scotland would result in a far greater number of people ending their lives than previously claimed, an MSP has warned. Earlier this week Michael Matheson warned Margo MacDonald MSP, the architect of the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, that her “legislation is much closer in parallel to Dutch legislation. He [...]

Scots police to investigate decade-old ‘hate incidents’

Jane Leung — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:09:13 +0000

Scottish police officers could be forced to investigate ‘hate incidents’ that took place up to ten years ago – even though no crime was ever committed. The alarming policy comes in light of the new ‘hate crime’ guidance published by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS). Critics say the definition of a [...]

Police pledge preferential treatment for ‘hate crimes’

Roger Jordan — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:28:27 +0000

Police officers in Scotland should treat crimes against homosexuals and minority groups more seriously than general crimes against the public, according to controversial new ‘hate crime’ guidance. The police are looking to increase the reporting of so-called ‘hate crimes’ by promising minority groups that they will see a swifter and more robust response to offenders. [...]

Disability group to protest against assisted suicide bill

Sam Wylie — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:20:22 +0000

A disability campaign group is to protest tomorrow against a Scottish assisted suicide bill, declaring that disabled people want assistance to live. Inclusion Scotland is demonstrating outside the Scottish Parliament from 9.30am against the controversial End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill which is spearheaded by Margo MacDonald MSP. The group is set to give evidence [...]

Scots Govt’s minimum pricing proposals rejected by MSPs

Jane Leung — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:25:36 +0000

The Scottish Government’s plans to impose a minimum price on alcohol have again been blocked by opposition MSPs. Members of Holyrood’s health committee voted down the SNP policy, and instead backed a Conservative amendment to remove the minimum price of 45p per unit from the Alcohol Bill. This is the second time the policy has [...]

MSP to drop disabled clause from assisted suicide bill

Roger Jordan — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:15:14 +0000

A proposal to allow disabled people in Scotland to seek assistance to end their lives is set to be dropped following pressure from disability campaigners. Bill Scott, Policy Officer at the campaign group Inclusion Scotland, welcomed the decision, saying: “That clause was dangerous, particularly at a time of cutbacks, to say to people you can’t [...]

BMA Scotland opposed to legalising assisted suicide

Roger Jordan — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:38:22 +0000

The majority of doctors are steadfastly opposed to the legalisation of assisted suicide in Scotland, the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has warned. The End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, proposed by Margo MacDonald MSP, would allow the terminally ill and people who are “permanently physically incapacitated” to seek assistance in ending their lives. BMA [...]

End-of-life Bill could bring ‘death tourism’ to Scotland

Roger Jordan — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:17:48 +0000

Scotland could become a destination for “death tourism” if a highly controversial bid to legalise assisted suicide becomes law, according to palliative care nurses. The End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill, proposed by Margo MacDonald MSP, would allow the terminally ill and people who are “permanently physically incapacitated” to seek assistance in ending their lives. [...]

Secret vote shows Kirk opposition to gay ministers

Sam Wylie — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:29:26 +0000

Attempts to impose homosexual clergy on the Church of Scotland still face “very strong” opposition within the church, according to media reports. All public discussion by Kirk clergy about homosexual ordination is banned until a Special Commission publishes a report on the subject in 2011. But newspapers report that a secret ballot of 35,000 senior [...]