SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to serve as witness for Scotland’s first same-sex wedding
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been invited to serve as a witness for one of the country’s first same-sex weddings.
Ms Sturgeon became the leader of the Scottish National Party last month, following the resignation of Alex Salmond – who stepped away from Holyrood to stand as an MP.
The politician has been a strong proponent of equal marriage in Scotland, leading the party’s commitment to introduce it in 2012, and helping drive the legislation through Scottish Parliament.
Civil partners Susan and Gerrie Douglas-Scott – who are in line to be of the first couples to marry when same-sex weddings become legal in Scotland later this month – invited Ms Sturgeon to serve as one of their witnesses, alongside Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie.
Susan Douglas-Scott told pro-independence newspaper the National: “When we were planning our wedding we thought it would be lovely to invite Nicola [Sturgeon] and her husband to help us celebrate.
“Then we thought, why not ask Nicola to be a witness? She said she would be honoured.
“Patrick has been a friend for many years and we will be delighted he is going to be a witness to our marriage too.”
Ms Sturgeon said: “Susan and Gerrie are a lovely couple and I can think of no better way for them to bring in 2015 than by making the strongest commitment they can.”
Scottish Greens leader Mr Harvie added: “I was very proud to be part of the Parliament which legislated to allow [same-sex marriage], and it will be a real pleasure to be there to witness the reality of it for my two friends.”
Gerrie Douglas-Scott added: “Scotland still has a long way to go in tackling discrimination against gay men and women. Older lesbians especially are often not really visible.
“They have a low public profile and many are frightened to come out as they face being subjected to homophobia. The Equal Marriage Act is a major step forward in addressing these issues.”
Same-sex weddings are set to begin in Scotland on Hogmanay (December 31).
