Catholic Church Leader Calls For Referendum On Equal Marriage

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Britain's most senior Roman Catholic, has urged the Scottish government to hold a referendum on proposals to legalise same-sex marriage, saying a vote should be held because of intense public interest in the issue.

Gay rights campaigners said a referendum would be a waste of money.

His call comes, as Scottish ministers, who favour same-sex marriage, are to announce legislation this week after a consultation resulted in 80,000 responses.

Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships and the Holyrood government has insisted no part of the religious community would be forced to hold gay weddings in churches.

Cardinal O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said the marriage consultation received three times more responses than the government's consultation on the independence referendum, which saw more than 26,000 people share their views.

"Clearly, if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence, it is crucial that we have one on marriage," he said, adding: "It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue.

"Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide."

Cardinal O'Brien has already authorised a plan to raise £100,000 through special church collections to support the Scotland For Marriage campaign against same-sex marriage.

But LGBT charity The Equality Network said a referendum would result in the "Americanisation" of Scottish politics, with big-money campaigns run by professional lobby groups.

"A referendum would be un-Scottish, unfair and a colossal waste of taxpayer's money."

(H)