The Church of Scotland has voted to allow same-sex marriages, the largest church in the UK to do so. Putting an end to a centuries-old restriction, the church’s general assembly voted by 274 in favor to 136 against on May 23, 2022. Although same-sex marriage has been legal in Scotland since the end of 2014, weddings by the Church of Scotland have not been allowed until today.

The decision will allow its ministers and deacons to officiate same-sex weddings, and the church’s legislation will be updated to remove references to a marriage taking place between a husband and wife but refer to “parties” instead. Some ministers immediately applied to be registered to conduct same-sex marriages minutes after the vote.

According to a statement, Reverend Craig Dobney said, “I’ve seen the heartbreak of those in same-sex relationships in our congregations who are unable to marry in their home church, devout Christians though they are. To be married in front of their church families would mean everything to them, but they were not able to do so. I worry that our churches have become irrelevant to our communities.”

Members of the assembly expressed opinions before Monday’s vote. Among them was Reverend Scott Rennie, who became the country's first openly gay clergyman in 2009. Marrying his husband in a religious ceremony was not possible. He said, “Marriage is a wonderful thing. My marriage to my husband Dave nurtures my life and my ministry. Frankly, I couldn't be a minister without his love and support. It is much the same as opposite sex marriage in its joys and its glories."

Scottish politician Ruth Davidson has also voiced her positive opinions and is delighted to see that the general assembly of the Church of Scotland has voted for ministers to be able to conduct same-sex weddings.