|
GenQ
Gay marriage support
split in Church of Sweden
With gay marriage
likely to be constitutional in Sweden
in the near future,
support for allowing the marriages is mixed.
By Chris Pycroft,
generationq.net from the Web, October 28, 2007
In the wake of a report recommending
that a non-gender specific marriage law be passed in Sweden, the Church of
Sweden has taken to the top of its agenda allowing the prospect of gay
marriages.
In a vote conducted by the church’s governing body, the church voted 161
votes to 74 in favour of performing legally binding weddings, which would
include same-sex marriages if the recommendation to the Swedish government is
followed through.
The Church of Sweden will either have to carry out weddings between same-sex
couples, or abstain itself from the legalities of marriage ceremonies if
parliament chooses to push the legislation.
The likelihood of performing legally recognized same-sex marriages is receiving
strong opposition from within the church.
Archbishop Anders Wejryd says that the issue will more than likely be
investigated if changes are made to marriage laws.
“Those who voted did so on the basis of current legislation. If the law
changes, the issue will return.
“I think the type of discussion we have had contributes to our cohesiveness.
It has been an honest discussion that shows our great willingness to live
together within the church. So it doesn't worry me.
“I am not of the opinion that everybody in the church should agree with each
other. We have to be mature enough to live with a variety of opinions.”
(Emphasis Added)
|
