A number of religious groups have united in supporting the introduction of same sex marriages, reports the BBC.
Currently, same sex couples can obtain legal recognition of their relationship through entering into a civil partnership. Civil partnerships may not take place in religious premises and can only be registered by civil registrars.
A campaign had been launched at the start of August by the Scottish Youth Parliament, calling for same sex couples to have the right to get married. It claimed that research had shown that more than 61% of Scots backed the idea of same sex marriage.
A month later, the Scottish Government announced a consultation on same sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships in Scotland. The Government's view is that same sex marriage should be introduced but believes that faith groups and their celebrants should not be obliged to solemnise same sex marriages.
That Catholic church in Scotland has spoken out against the proposals, however, according to the BBC, the Unitarians, Quakers, Metropolitan Community Church, Pagan Federation and Liberal Judaism have all announced their support for the Scottish Youth Parliament's campaign.
The Government's consultation will close on 9th December 2011.
