The rift between the Scottish Government and the Catholic church over the introduction of same sex marriage has continued to deepen, reports the Scotsman.
The Catholic church has recently read a letter out to all its Scottish congregations calling for continued opposition to the Government's attempts to 'redefine' marriage. It also announced the establishment of a National Commission for Marriage and the Family to lead its campaign against the introduction of same sex marriage.
The Scottish Government announced in July that it intends to legislate to allow same sex marriage, but that the legislation will be accompanied by important protections for freedom of speech and religion.
The Government has confirmed that no religious body will be compelled to conduct same sex marriages - protection for religious bodies who do not wish to conduct same sex marriages already exists under UK equality law.
