Same sex marriages to be legal from Hogmanay

The first same sex marriage ceremonies in Scotland are expected to take place from Hogmanay this year, the Scottish Government announced today.

Ministers intend to bring the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 into force on 16 December 2014. As at least 14 clear days' notice of a marriage must be given, 31 December is the first possible day on which a same sex marriage ceremony could take place.

Also, from 16 December, couples in an existing Scottish civil partnership would be able to change their relationship to a marriage, under an administrative process. Conversions of this type will be free for the first year of the legislation.

The announcement is subject to Scottish Parliament approval of a number of Scottish statutory instruments, which will be laid shortly, and UK Parliament approval of an order under section 104 of the Scotland Act 1998, which is expected to be laid today.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil said: “This historic legislation had overwhelming support across the Scottish Parliament, demonstrating to the world how importantly Scotland views equality.

“That support means that, from 31 December, same sex couples who want to show their love and commitment to each other could get married in front of family and friends at a ceremony they choose together.

“This will be an important signal that our nation is absolutely committed to the same rights for all our citizens."

Tom French, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator for the Equality Network, said in welcoming the news: "Scotland is now a leader on LGBTI equality, with one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world. There is still more to do to ensure full equality in people’s day-to-day lives, but this year we have taken a huge leap forward towards creating the fair and equal Scotland we all want to see.”