The leaders of Scotland’s major opposition parties signed a pledge supporting the legalisation of same-sex marriage last week.

The pledge was part of the Equality Network’s ‘Equal Marriage’ campaign, and was followed by a reception at Scottish Parliament that saw prominent MSPs and student leaders speak out in favour of lifting the current ban.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, spoke to The Student about the significance of the event.

He said, “[The reception] was organised to give MSPs the opportunity to meet directly with equal marriage supporters.

“We hope that the huge turnout will send a clear message to the Scottish Government that the pro-equality majority of Scots want to see them lift the ban on same-sex marriage now.

“Alex Salmond claimed he wanted Scotland to be a beacon of progressive policy. We couldn’t agree more. The Scottish Government’s response to this issue will be a good indicator of whether they are serious about making that ambition a reality.”

The SNP has already indicated its support for same-sex marriage. In April 2011, First Minister Salmond said, “If a denomination is prepared to accept gay marriage then I’m in favour of it, yes.

“My personal feeling would be to tend towards it.”

In the 2010 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, 61 per cent of respondents indicated they were in favour of lifting the ban on same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage has received widespread support from the student body, with Rae Cahill, Deputy Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, speaking at the parliamentary reception supporting a change in the law.

Regardless, some students have questioned the effectiveness of such a high-profile campaign. A third year business studies student told The Student about his reservations, saying, “I don’t have a problem with [same-sex marriage], but wouldn’t encourage or go round campaigning for it.”

A public consultation by the Scottish Government in 2011 received over 50,000 responses, the most of any consultation since Scottish Parliament was established in 1999.

Johann Lamont MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and signatory of the Equal Marriage pledge, said, “As someone committed to creating a fairer, safer and more equal society, free from discrimination and bigotry, I am proud of Labour’s action in government to tackle discrimination against LGBT people and in legislating to create civil partnerships.

“I support the campaign for Equal Marriage, and legislation which would allow religious bodies to conduct same-sex marriages should they wish to do so.”

The reception was attended by MSPs from the SNP, Scottish Labour Party, Scottish Conservative Party, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Green Party.