Harvie: Wester Isles 'Mean-spirited and Spiteful' on Civil Partnership Ceremonies
Tue., December 20, 2005. 16:26.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar registrars banned from performing ceremonies
Commenting on the position taken by Western Isles Council and civil partnerships, Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
"What a mean-spirited and spiteful position for Western Isles Council to take - to comply with the law but to hold their noses while they do it. If they permit ceremonies for civil marriage then why not for civil partnership? Clearly what we have here is the Council less bothered about the equality of its citizens than any local authority in whole UK."
Mr Harvie has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament urging all MSPs to condemn the council's position and also calling for the Scottish Executive to request a justification from the Council in relation to the 2003 local government act which instructs councils to discharge their functions in a manner which encourages equal opportunities)
Motion submitted by Patrick Harvie today:
That the Parliament condemns Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for its decision not to perform Civil Partnership ceremonies, making it the only local authority in the United Kingdom to take this stance; recognises that for many couples a public ceremony in front of family and friends is an important aspect of any act of union; notes that, although ceremonies are discretionary, both for civil partnership and for civil marriage, no local authority has refused to offer them for the latter; considers the council's decision to be an insult to all same-sex couples and that such couples will be less likely to exercise their right to registration as a result, and calls on the Scottish Executive to contact Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to explain the meaning of the council's duty under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 to discharge its functions in a manner which encourages equal opportunities, as the council has clearly demonstrated a limited understanding of this duty.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.