Posted on 07/16/2012 2:30:07 AM PDT by Cronos
Cardinal O'Brien: Described potential law change as 'madness'.Deadline News
Scots should be asked to vote in a referendum on same-sex marriage, the country's most senior Catholic has claimed.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien has urged the Scottish Government to hold the poll because of "intense public interest".
Ministers are expected to announce their plans for legislation this week, following a consultation that closed in December.
It attracted almost 80,000 responses - the highest number of any Holyrood consultation - and ignited a debate between gay rights supporters and the Catholic Church.
Ministers had previously said they "tend towards the view" that same-sex marriage should be introduced, although faith groups and their celebrants should not be obliged to solemnise the ceremonies.
Cardinal O'Brien, the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, had previously described the potential law change as "madness".
He said: "Clearly, if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence, it is crucial that we have one on marriage. It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue.
"Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide."
Earlier this month, Cardinal O'Brien authorised a plan to raise £100,000 through special church collections to support the Scotland For Marriage campaign against same-sex marriage.
He said: "Marriage is under threat and politicians need to know the Catholic Church will bear any burden and meet any cost in its defence."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Cabinet have had a first discussion on the next steps following the consultation on same sex marriage and the registration of civil partnerships and have asked for some further detail.
"We fully expect to be in a position to publish the way ahead this month."
Of course recognition is only the first step in the homosexual agenda. Once recognized, the next step is to sue churches who refuse to perform the ceremony for discrimination. Classic incrementalism.
Even worse, it will be a hate crime to question anything in the gay agenda (including the right to “marry”).
they did the same with “civil unions”. Now my opinion has hardened — I am not only against “gay marriage” but “civil unions” too and homerseksuality is to be as illegal as underage sax...
There is a reason it used to be called “A crime against nature”.
The early law (from English Common Law) had a more realistic view of what happens when a culture embraces poofters. It withers.
So went Greece, Rome, the British Empire, and soon, the USA.
Even in “poofta state” the voters defended marriage against this attack.
Only the activist courts have overturned the will of the voters.
I think you have to call for a popular vote in order to hold it off as long as possible. But considering it wasn’t even an issue 30 years ago, that a popular vote to determine if ‘gay marriage’ should be recognized by the state is the best defense against it isn’t too positive. Because if it is rejected now, will it be 30 years from now?
FReegards
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.