Last big step on the long journey to lesbian, gay & bisexual legal equality in Scotland.

This evening Scotland became the seventeenth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, after the Scottish Parliament passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill with an overwhelming majority of 105 to 18.

The Equality Network, the Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity that launched the UK’s first major campaign for equal marriage in 2008, welcomed the vote as “a milestone for LGBT equality in Scotland” following its final rally and celebration outside the Scottish Parliament.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Today will be remembered in history as the day that lesbian, gay and bisexual people were finally granted full legal equality in Scotland, and given an equal right to marry the person they love. This is a profoundly emotional moment for many people who grew up in a country where being gay was still a criminal offence until 1980. Scotland can be proud that we now have one of the most progressive equal marriage bills in the world, and that we’ve sent out a strong message about the kind of country we are. We know this change means so much to LGBT people across Scotland and we look forward to the first same-sex marriages taking place as soon as possible.”

Scotland joins the growing number of countries around the world that allow same-sex marriage, including the Netherlands (2001), Belgium (2003), Spain (2005), Canada (2005), South Africa (2006), Portugal (2008), Norway (2009), Sweden (2009), Argentina (2010), Iceland (2010), Denmark (2012), France (2013), New Zealand (2013), Uruguay (2013), Brazil (2013), England and Wales (2013) and parts of the USA and Mexico.

The first same-sex marriages are now expected to take place later this year after the Scottish Government pledged to speed up the implementation of the Bill. Originally the first ceremonies were not expected until spring 2015 because of the time needed to pass secondary legislation and fully implement the Bill, but in a video message to Equality Network supporters Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Alex Neil, pledged “we will work with our Westminster colleagues to make it happen as quickly as possible”.

The Equality Network says the wait for Scotland’s same-sex marriage legislation was worth it due to the improvements made for transgender equality, including scrapping the spousal veto on gender recognition.

Tom continued: “Scotland now has one of the most progressive equal marriage bills in the world, securing greater equality for LGBT people and strengthening freedom of religion and belief for all. That’s why the Equality Network strongly believes the time spent considering and consulting on the bill has been well-and-truly worth it.”

Opinion polls have shown consistent public support for same-sex marriage across Scotland. A poll conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Equality Network in June 2012 showed record support with 64% of Scots in favour of same-sex marriage, and just 26% opposed. Separate polls conducted over the past three years by Populus, YouGov, Angus Reid, and the independent Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, have all shown similar levels of support.

Colin Macfarlane, Director, Stonewall Scotland added: “This a truly historic moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland. We’re delighted that MSPs have overwhelmingly demonstrated that they’re committed to building a Scotland fit for the 21^st century.”