Scotland’s First Gay Marriages to Take Place New Year’s Eve

Scotland is set to stage its first same-sex weddings at the end of the year, following the Scottish Parliament's overwhelming vote of approval back in February.

BBC reports:

The Scottish government said the move was the right thing to do, but Scotland's two main churches – the Catholic Church and Church of Scotland – are opposed.

The legislation will see religious and belief bodies opting in to perform same-sex marriages, and ministers have stressed that no part of the religious community would be forced to hold such ceremonies in churches.

[Health Secretary Alex] Neil said the move was an "important signal that our nation is absolutely committed to the same rights for all our citizens".

He added that Hogmanay would be "a proud and no doubt emotional day for many" and said: "I, for one, can't wait."

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year.