Scotland becomes 17th Country in the World to provide for marriage for lesbian and gay couples.

This evening, the Scottish Parliament passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill by 105 votes to 18. The Bill provides for marriage for lesbian and gay couples in Scotland.

Scotland joins England and Wales in providing equal access to marriage for lesbian and gay couples across all of Great Britain.

“The vote of the Scottish Parliament is a further historic step in the journey to full equality for lesbian and gay people in the United Kingdom. Scotland becoming the 17th Country to allow for marriage for lesbian and gay couples contributes hugely to the growing international momentum for equality. A very strong message of inclusion, of value and of equality has been sent to lesbian and gay people everywhere” said Kieran Rose, GLEN Chair.

“Now, you will not be able to leave the shores of Ireland in any direction without reaching a country where civil marriage is available to lesbian and gay couples” said Rose.

Lesbian and gay couples in England and Wales will be able to marry from March 29th this year. Marriage is expected to become available in Scotland later in 2014.

The Irish Government recently decided to accept the recommendation of the Constitutional Convention and will hold a referendum on access to civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples in 2015.

“We firmly believe that the people of Ireland will continue their warm acceptance of lesbian and gay couples and their families and that a yes vote can be carried in a referendum that would provide access to civil marriage” concluded Rose.