21 June 2013
Proposed Scottish plans could introduce civil partnerships for heterosexual couples. These plans have been criticised as “a marriage-lite alternative”.
Scotland for Marriage has warned that such unions give all of the rights of marriage with none of the responsibilities, and said this would wreck marriage.
The proposal, which has been welcomed by some, is separate from the forthcoming Scottish Bill to redefine marriage. An SNP source told The Herald newspaper: “There is a growing consensus around allowing mixed-sex couples to enter civil partnerships. It would be too complicated to achieve by an amendment to the bill but there is a commitment to take it forward.”
A Scotland for Marriage spokesman said that heterosexual civil partnerships “will introduce a marriage-lite alternative for straight couples who don’t want to get hitched, giving them all of the rights of marriage with none of the matrimonial responsibilities”.
The spokesman continued: “The Westminster pensions minister looked into extending civil partnerships to straight couples in England, and said it will cost the taxpayer £4 billion in public pension rights alone.”
The Equality Network – which has been campaigning for same-sex marriage – backed the move, saying heterosexual civil partnerships has been a “key aim” for gay-marriage supporters.
A spokesman from the group, commented: “Some people do not believe in the institution of marriage, either because they believe it is too patriarchal or too closely related to religion.”
The Westminster Government has said it will consider heterosexual civil partnerships in England and Wales, with a review on the issue next year.