Several prominent MSPs could lose their seats over their support for same-sex marriage, a campaign group has warned.
In ten constituencies, the number of people who are against gay marriage is greater than the MSPs’ respective majorities, according to a list produced by Scotland for Marriage.
Three senior MSPs from the Scottish National Party appear on the list – Gil Paterson, Sandra White and Marco Biagi – along with the former Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray.
Democracy
A spokesman from Scotland for Marriage said the analysis is “merely democracy in action” and is not a threat.
“MSPs need to pay heed to what we are saying and our supporters will not be frightened to demonstrate their feelings at the next election. And for some, their votes could be decisive”, he said.
“Our members are exercising their democratic rights and MSPs should have the decency to meet and listen to those who don’t share their views”, he added.
Majority
Fiona McLeod MSP appears on the list of vulnerable seat-holders as traditional marriage supporters outweigh her majority by 1405.
McLeod recently refused to meet with one of her constituents who is against redefining marriage because she said her opinion on the issue wouldn’t be changing.
Traditional marriage supporter Rose Docherty described the move as “astonishing”, as the MSP had called for people to get in touch with her about any issue.
Supporters
Scotland for Marriage is encouraging its supporters to meet with their MSPs to raise the topic of gay marriage, and ask them to support changes in the legislation to protect those who believe marriage should stay as it is.
On Thursday a Holyrood committee will look at amendments to provide civil liberty safeguards for those who are against redefining marriage.
Last month the Scottish Parliament backed the general principle of gay marriage by 98 votes to 15.
Public
But MSP John Mason, who is against the legislation, warned that Parliament is out of touch with the views of the general public.
The Scottish Government’s own consultation on same-sex marriage showed two-thirds of respondents were against the move.