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Scottish Parliament approves same-sex marriage bill 105-18

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Scotland Tuesday joined the growing list of countries where same-sex marriage is legal, with Parliament voting overwhelmingly in favor.

The Same Sex Marriage Bill was adopted 105-18, the Scotsman reported. Both support and opposition crossed party lines with Cabinet ministers among those voting no.

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Most religious groups, including the Church of Scotland, opposed the measure. The bill allows religious groups and individual clerics to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings and protects them from discrimination claims if they refuse, but there was a push for stronger protection, which was voted down.

"The Church of Scotland holds to the mainstream Christian belief that marriage is properly between a man and a woman," Alan Hamilton, convenor of the legal questions committee, said.

Officials said the first same-sex weddings are almost certain to be held by the end of the year. Scotland has recognized civil unions since 2005.

"Today is a momentous day for equality in our nation," Health Secretary Alex Neil said. "This legislation sends a powerful message to the world about the kind of society we in Scotland are trying to create -- a nation where the principles of fairness and equality are weaved into the very fabric of our society."

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Scotland is the 17th country to legalize same-sex marriage and leaves Northern Ireland as the only holdout in the United Kingdom.

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