Well done, Scotland

And, yes, equality should over-ride theology, in my view!

The government is not interfering in a theological question - civil marriages are no concern of any church.

I was married in a civil ceremony and I was glad when gay couples were allowed to have their partnerships recognised in the same way with the same legal conditions. I don't go to church, either.

But I don't understand why it is up to the various governments to allow gay marriages.
If the Church defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, surely the only institution that can change that definition is the church?
I can understand the anguish of Christian gay couples who would like their union to be blessed in church.

But why is it any business of the government to interfere with what is essentially a theological question? Should equality legislation override theology?
[ducks and runs for cover]

What was I saying on another thread about interfering with other people's lives. Not even their own members...
They need to stop obsessing about sex, that's what they need to do.

And marriage doesn't have to be a religious ceremony anyway. In that case why oppose it through the church?

I agree the discrimination has to stop. You can't control who you fall in love with. I have never had a problem with anyone's sexual orientation - its their business not mine.

I hope so too. It's time this discrimination was over. The Catholic Church needs to move into the 21st Century. Not only with homosexuality but with contraception, abortion, women's rights and a host of other issues.

Also it might be a good idea if it followed it's own teachings and gave it's riches to the poor. Did you know that the host and blood have to be held in containers that are gold or at least gilt? Why? Wasn't Jesus a poor man? Would he insist on gold?

I am RC btw in case you think I'm just being anti-RC.