Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow, questioned the responsible Minister at Topical Questions at Holyrood today and raised with him concerns about the Scottish Government’s consultation on civil partnerships.
The consultation says that ministers are “not persuaded” to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples.
Responding to Mr Harvie, Community Empowerment Minister Marco Biagi made reference to perceived low demand for the move but said the government would fully consider consultation responses.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:”For over a decade I have said that civil partnerships should be available to all couples. Given the clear support across Parliament for equal marriage, I am surprised and disappointed at the position ministers are taking.
“Mixed-sex couples should have the choice of co-habiting, entering a civil partnership or getting married. I would urge people to respond to the consultation and I hope that the Scottish Government will keep an open mind to the principle of giving all couples the same legal rights, regardless of their sexuality or genders.”
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