Scottish Parliament have voted to pass The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill by a massive 105-18 majority.
The historic vote took place at the Holyrood today, where Politicians cheered as the bill was given its approval.
During the debate MSP, Jim Eadie, said: “I believe this bill will have a hugely positive impact on our society and on the health and well-being of LGBT of people in our country.
“Scotland now has one of the most progressive equal marriage bills in the world. Allowing the option of gender-neutral marriage ceremonies will provide genuine equality for all, including transgender people.
“This is a profound moment in our nation’s history,” he added.
According to The Daily Record Health Secretary, Alex Neil, revealed that the first same-sex marriages could take place later this year, earlier than expected.
“We’re doing a remarkable thing today, we are saying on behalf of Scotland to the world, loud and clear that we believe in recognising love between same sex couples as we do between opposite sex couples.”
Neil also expressed that the Scottish Government “respected” the decision of the religious groups who opposed the bill and protections within the legislation were included “so they can not be forced to solemnise a same sex marriage”.
A spokesman for the campaign group, Scotland for Marriage, said: “This has been a sad day for those who believe in and who have fought for traditional marriage.
“The overwhelming majority of MSPs have completely ignored public opinion and steam-rollered through a law which is ill-conceived, poorly thought out and will, in time, discriminate against ordinary people for their sincerely held beliefs.”
The move makes Scotland the 17th country in the world to legalise marriage equality, with thousands taking to Twitter this evening to welcome the historical news.
A stunning rainbow over Edinburgh as the Gay Marriage Bill is being debated: pic.twitter.com/ZaADcwBz8t
— Peter McColl (@PeterMcColl) February 4, 2014
Lead image via Buzzfeed.
