By Terry Vanderheyden
EDINBURGH, UK, January 10, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Scotland’s Western Isles (https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/where.htm) has banned same-sex civil ceremonies after Britain brought in the marriage-like institution last month.
According to The Universe Catholic News agency, a campaign from church leaders of all denominations mobilized the people to oppose the civil services being offered by marriage commissioners elsewhere in the country.
Fr Malcolm MacLellan of St Michael’s parish on Eriskay Island told the Universe that most islanders were in favour of the ban. “Catholics here are loyal to the Church’s teaching that only a man and a woman may marry,” Fr. Malcolm said. “There is a danger in speaking out against the civil partnership because you are immediately accused of being homophobic. That is not the case.”
A priest who wished to remain anonymous added that “The Western Isles is not some Brigadoon backwater. It’s just that here politicians listen to the will of the people and people oppose these so called gay marriages.”
Normally, same-sex couples who desire to register their union apply at a registry office. The officials then offer the couples a ceremony to accompany the event. Although the Isle has not banned the granting of registrations, no ceremonies will be offered. Western Isles policy committee chairman Angus Campbell said, “It is a practical decision: our officers don’t want to do them.”
See Catholic Universe coverage:
https://www.totalcatholic.com/universe/index.php?news_id=585&start=0&category_id=&parent_id=0&arcyear=&arcmonth