The Scottish Cabinet faced a protest by around 200 marriage supporters yesterday because of its controversial plans to redefine the institution.
The crowd of Scotland for Marriage supporters gathered outside Renfrew Town Hall to protest against the SNP-led Government’s plans.
The protestors waved placards accusing the SNP of ignoring the public, and made clear that the campaign against the redefinition of marriage was far from over.
Waiting
The protestors held boards showing the covers of homosexual storybooks, such as Daddy’s Roommate, which could be used in the nation’s primary schools.
Mike Judge, of The Christian Institute, warned that schools could “take disciplinary action” against teachers who refused to use them.
He added: “The Government has ignored the people, it has snubbed the people.
Redefine
“The reality is they want to redefine marriage in spite of the fact that 64 per cent are against it.
“That’s why we’re here today, to urge them to think again.”
The protest came as the Scottish Cabinet held a public question and answer session in Renfrew Town hall.
Protestors
While Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stopped to meet with protestors, Alex Salmond entered the building by a side door. The First Minister later held private talks with representatives from Scotland for Marriage.
A spokesman for the Government said: “We have made clear that we will protect freedom of expression and religious freedom including in educational settings, and we are currently undertaking a consultation to make sure that this happens.”
The Government revealed that it was determined to plough ahead with same-sex marriage despite widespread opposition last month.
Suspended
Earlier this week it emerged that Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Scotland’s top Roman Catholic, had suspended personal meetings with the Scottish Government over gay marriage, because key issues are being “completely ignored”.
The Cardinal said his officials could continue the meetings, but he himself had put face-to-face communication over the issue on hold.
His spokesman, Peter Kearney, said it “can be difficult when you feel all the things you have to say, to date at least, have been completely ignored”.