News from Celtic Press A leading Welsh politician has spoken out in favour of introducing gay marriages in Wales following the lead of his fellow Scottish politicians in Scotland. Plaid Cymru Equalities spokesperson, Linsay Whittle Assembly Member, said this week that he welcomed the moves to allow same sex marriage in Scotland and would like to see the same done in Wales. Mr Whittle called the Scottish development ?progressive? and an important step in ensuring equal treatment for all. The Scottish government has recently announced that they will bring forward a Bill on the issue following an extensive consultation where over 80 000 people responded, demonstrating their support for same sex marriages. The Scottish government has stated that this could mean that same sex marriage ceremonies could begin as early as 2015. Mr Whittle went on to say on his blog that even though he believes that same sex marriages are a step in the right direction, he is disappointed that Wales cannot emulate the position in Scotland, because of a lack of legislative power in the Welsh Assembly. The same sex marriage development in Scotland may become the modern equivalent to getting married in Gretna Green, where thousands of young couples, who were under the age of parental consent in Cornwall, England and Wales, eloped to Scotland to get married, because of the different legal system in place. For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact: Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
General Secretary,
Celtic League
Tel: 0044 (0)1209 319912
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gensec [at] celticleague.net The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query. ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE 31/07/12 The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues.