Homosexuals Shouldn't 'Force' Gay Marriage in Scotland, Says George Michael
Civil Partnerships Already Offer the 'Same Rights' as Marriage, He Claims
During a radio interview in Scotland, entertainer George Michael stated that civil partnerships already offer same-sex couples the "same rights" as married couples, leaving to question the need to redefine marriage.
Scotland is vying to become the first U.K. nation to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, although the Scottish government has seen opposition by the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland.
Currently, Scotland allows for same-sex civil partnerships, but there is an increasingly vocal aspect of Scottish society that it focused on fully recognizing marriage for gay couples, BBC reported.
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"Civil registration partnerships are legally correct. They give people the same rights as people in marriage … But I don't believe in forcing it and I think it will fail if you force churches who don't believe in it to have gay marriage ceremonies," Michael, who is openly homosexual, explained.
The comments, made to during a Scottish radio interview, come as the legislative body of Scotland debates whether to change the current law, go against biblical teachings, and redefine marriage.
Under the proposed legislation, the Scottish proposal is thought to provide a provision for religious institutions opposed to same-sex marriage to forego performing those types of ceremonies.
But mainstream Scottish Christian communities are concerned that changing the traditional definition of marriage to include same-sex couples will force churches to go along with laws that are in direct conflict with their beliefs.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien has been outspoken in the defense of traditional marriage in Scotland warning of the adverse consequences as a result of same-sex marriage actions.
"The serious implications for freedom of belief and expression of redefining marriage should be as important to a free society as any constitutional matter," he said.
"In light of the unprecedented strength of response to the consultation paper, I remain eager to hear the outcome of the consultation and to have an indication of how the people of Scotland regard the issue," O'Brien added.
