A minister in the Free Church of Scotland is urging MSPs to seriously
consider the long-term consequences of legalising gay marriage.
The Reverend David Robertson, who is also director of the Solas
Centre for Public Christianity, said changing the law would result in
greater intolerance towards those who believe in a traditional
definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
"The gay rights groups, funded by the Scottish Government, will
continue to push for Scotland not just to be 'tolerant' of gay marriage,
but intolerant of any who do not accept their agenda," he said.
"There will be more pressure for social 're-education' through
popular media, the education system and the social welfare and political
systems.
"The attack on the traditional understanding of marriage will not be the end of this assault on Christian morality and values.
"We urge our MSPs to take this into account and at the very least
make an informed decision thinking about the long term consequences,
rather than merely the short term sound bites and media pressure."
Mr Robertson made the comments in a written submission to the Equal
Opportunities Committee, which is scrutinising the Marriage and Civil
Partnership Bill.
He was due to appear before MSPs at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday representing the Free Church's position.
In his submission, Mr Robertson said changing the definition of
marriage to include same-sex unions would undermine the Christian
foundations of Scottish society and lead to "further social
disintegration, sexual confusion and greater intolerance".
He warned of a situation where people in public life or service who
dare to uphold the Christian view of marriage "will be ostracised and
discriminated against".
"If the Scottish Parliament takes the step of redefining marriage
rather than displaying boldness, fairness and wisdom, we believe it will
demonstrate cowardice, injustice and folly," he said.
"We therefore request that the Parliament do not take such a
retrograde and reactionary step and we would ask you to refuse the
request to redefine marriage."