but do the majority of Spaniards disagree with gay marriage
now if there had been a referendum, I do not believe this was the case in Spain and the majority voted in favour of gay marriage, then what
doesn't majority rule? even if it is a "bad" law?
The bishops have told Spaniards that Catholics may not vote in favor of this law. They are referring, of course, to the legislators, because the Spanish Senate still has to vote on it. Personally, I think 40 years of inaction has taken its toll, and I'd be surprised if Catholic lawmakers actually follow this order. If they don't, I hope they are excommunicated and made to repent publicly.
However, even in the case of a referendum (incidentally, polls show that the majority of Spaniards are opposed to "gay marriage"), you would have the situation where people had entered the government with the understanding that the society they were serving had certain foundations that were acceptable to their educated consciences. If a government changes these things, then it should provide a conscience clause for those who entered it under other conditions. If not, these people should be prepared to resist.