Nationalist MSP breaks ranks with his party

Dave Thompson, an MSP in the Scottish Nationalist Party has reaffirmed his opposition to his party's intentions to introduce same-sex marriage. In so doing he is putting his neck on the line.

Dave Thompson, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has put his commitment to Christian values above allegiance to his SNP's party line.

The Christian politician who is a member of Kinmylies Church of Scotland in Inverness is effectively flying in the face of the SNP's high-profile intention to push ahead towards the introduction of same-sex marriage.

In support of his stance the Lossiemouth-born MSP said that he does not think that there is any justification for pursuing this policy as homosexual couples already have the same rights as heterosexuals under the current civil partnership legislation.

In the wake of the youth wing of the Lib Dems in the Highlands urging all the regions MSPs to back the introduction of same-sex marriage, Mr. Thompson said that he sees no evidence of inequality in the present arrangements: "I do not see the need to change the law because I believe civil partnerships give gay people the same legal right as heterosexuals". In affirming the traditional arrangement he said: "Marriage should remain a union between a man and a woman."

"Marriage should remain a union between a man and a woman."

Dave has the support of fellow MSP John Mason who also serves in and under Alex Salmond's goverrnment. Last year Mr. Mason tabled a motion designed to protect the freedom of thought, practice and expression by individuals, churches and other organisations in relation to same-sex unions.

In response to these concerns, SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon has said that freedom of speech and freedom of religion safeguards will be built into any forthcoming legislation. However few think that these undertakings will ensure immunity from the persistent drive by the homosexual lobby to push their beliefs and lifestyles into mainstream life and into the faith communities who oppose such moves.
The fact that the SNP have totally ignored the huge and negative response to the recent 'consultation' does not give grounds for optimism.

Meanwhile in England, David Cameron is facing rebellion within Conservatvie Party ranks.
David Burrowes MP warned that the plans south of the border would stop people voting for his party, while Mark Pritchard MP cautioned that the Conservatives should not take supporters for granted.

Emma Pidding, the Chairman of the Conservative Party's National Convention, spoke on Radio 4's World at One: "“My concern is that we are potentially upsetting our members and activists when I have one goal, and that is to obtain a Conservative majority government in 2015.”

David Burrowes said: “Even in my constituency, where they know that I am firmly opposed to the proposal, they themselves would say that if that does go through as legislation, then they won’t vote for me and that must concern me; I know it concerns many other colleagues particularly in marginal seats”.

And Tim Loughton, the parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, has commented that marriage should remain the union of one man and one woman.

The intention in Scotland is to have same-sex marriage legislation in place by 2015.

Footnotes:
Last year Dave Thompson publicly affirmed his commitment to the Christian faith and the Word of God during the 400th-anniversary year of the printing of the King James Bible.

People in prayer

PRAY for Dave Thompson and John Masson (along with all other committed Christians in the political machine).

These men and women are caught between a rock and a hard place as the seek to maintain an influence in the process while also retaining their Christian beliefs and principles.

See articles:
Did the cock crow that morning?

Serving two masters

Christians Together, 06/08/2012