Leading article: The rest of the UK must follow Scotland's lead

 

Wednesday 25 July 2012 19:31 BST
Comments

Yet again Scotland has stolen a march on a signal piece of social legislation. It was first to ban smoking in public places, first to introduce a minimum price for alcohol, and now it looks set to be the first to legalise gay marriage. While the UK Government missed the chance to include such a Bill in the Queen's Speech in May, the Scottish Government announced yesterday that it would legislate for the change after a huge response to a public consultation.

Introducing a Bill, of course, and actually passing it into law are different things, and with fierce opposition from, among others, the Catholic Church, its passage may not be as smooth as its cheer-leaders would hope.

Legislation may also be delayed by a requirement that the UK amend its Equality Act. But with public sentiment overwhelmingly in favour, and the move such a patent advance towards equal rights, Westminster should not stand in Scotland's way. On the contrary, it should now seek to catch up.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in