The Scottish Government have announced that they will introduce new legislation which will allow gay marriage as early as 2015. The real question is whether we need government approval. Do we need a new law allowing for gay marriage?

The only reason that amendments to the law need to be made by the Scottish Government is because they have far too much involvement in the voluntary contract of marriage as it is.

The Scottish Libertarian Party welcomes gay people being accepted and congratulates the SNP for recognising that everyone has the right to enter into voluntary contracts, at least in this instance. We do however find it concerning that so many aspects of our lives seem to need government approval these days and marriage is no different.

The SNP are boasting about their new plan to allow gay marriage as if waking-up to the inalienable rights individual’s hold is something new. Deputy leader of the SNP, Nicola Sturgeon said,

“We are committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships – we believe that this is the right thing to do.”

Marriage, gay or otherwise, is not a right to be determined by the government, or even religious organisations, but by the people entering into the contract. If one man wishes to marry another then their legally binding contract (marriage certificate) is all that is needed. If an organisation or corporation does not recognise or agree with that contract, that is their right, however that decision could mean less business or support in the future.

The only redeemable point to be found within this new legislation was the promise by the SNP that they will not force it onto religious organisations, however it may not take long before that changes. Ms Sturgeon said,

“The Scottish government has already made clear that no religious body will be compelled to conduct same-sex marriages and we reiterate that today. Such protection is provided for under existing equality laws.”

In summary, the Scottish Libertarians support the natural rights of all individuals to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, and this includes gay people, but they, as well as everyone else, do not need the government’s approval to live their lives as they see fit.