10 years of Equal marriage in Scotland: We must not go backwards on equality
Commenting on the 10th anniversary of equal marriage coming into law in Scotland, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“The introduction of equal marriage was a long overdue and powerful step in the right direction for our country, and one that generations of LGBTQI+ people and their allies fought, worked and campaigned for.
“It was life changing, not only for those who could finally celebrate their love for one another in the way they wanted to, but also for the message it sent to LGBTQI+ people about what Scotland stood for and the country we aspired to be.
“There was a wonderful moment at the end of the process, after the votes had been cast and the result had been announced. The people in the public gallery stood up and applauded the MSPs and we stood up and applauded them too, with everyone aware of how historic the vote had been and how much it meant.
“The debate had shown a good degree of cross-party consensus, with MSPs from all parties voting to support it, including all party leaders. This would have been unthinkable even 10 years prior, and it spoke volumes about the journey that Scotland had been on.
“I had the immense privilege of being a witness at Scotland’s first same-sex wedding. It was a beautiful and moving day and one of many beautiful days to be experienced by couples all across our country.
“Equal marriage remains one of the greatest achievements for equality in the devolution era. Today I will be grateful for everyone who worked and campaigned for it and thinking of those who have been able to celebrate their love for one another in the way they wanted to.
“I will also be thinking of the many millions of people who did not get to mark their love in the way they would have wanted to. We cannot undo the damage of the past, but we can continue to build a better and more equal future.”
Mr Harvie added:
“For most of my adult life it has felt like Scotland was moving in the right direction when it comes to LGBTQI+ rights and equality.
“But over the last few years there has been a noticeable regression; with a reactionary and dangerous culture war being waged against trans people in particular. We must not go backwards.
“Just as we overcame the prejudices of the past, I am confident that we can and will succeed again. Our LGBTQI+ community deserves safety, joy, and the opportunity to flourish. Everyone should have the right to live happily and freely as the person they really are.”