ALLIANCE for indy chief Dave Thompson has told The National that he was wrong to have voted against gay marriage.
Back in 2014, the committed Christian was one of 18 MSPs who opposed changing the law, claiming that marriage was “a word that means the union of one man and one woman in a committed loving relationship for the procreation of children.”
But yesterday, he told The National that after much prayer and following the debate in the Kirk, he had had his mind changed for him by God.
Scotland’s equal marriage vote was three years in the making, thanks, in part, to a lengthy consultation.
In 2011, Thompson – who quit the SNP this year to take on a leadership role with the AFI – backed a parliamentary motion, tabled by John Mason, saying that no-one should be criticised for not approving of same-sex relationships.
It also said “that while some in society approve of same-sex sexual relationships, others do not agree with them” adding that “free speech is a fundamental right and that even when there is disagreement with another person’s views, that person has the right to express these views, and considers that no person or organisation should be forced to be involved in or to approve of same-sex marriages.”
That led to Alyn Smith alluding to his party colleagues as bigots.
In a forthright comment in a Sunday newspaper, Smith said: “The plea that nobody should be forced to even approve of same sex relationships, never mind marriage, is just plain odd.
“What is in the small, mean, angry heads of bigots is a matter for them. I never asked for their approval, but I demand equality.”
Yesterday, Thompson said after much prayer and discussion, he had changed his position, and, if he was to have that again, would not vote against equal marriage.
He said: “I’ve been on a bit of a journey since 2014, and come to the conclusion that my biblical understanding back then was incorrect. And I now understand, biblically, and I now believe, biblically, that it’s okay.
“And I don’t think that’s unusual for Christians because every Christian is on a journey. And once they have faith in Jesus and as they move on they do get their eyes open. I suppose you could say that I’ve had my eyes opened by God to this.”
Smith welcomed his former colleague’s change of heart.
He told The National: “Equal marriage is basic fairness, and I’m delighted that every day thousands of gay folks up and down Scotland are every bit as boring as straight people.
“It was a debate at the time but no more, and I’m glad he’s changed his mind, good for him.”
The AFI believes they can win up to 24 Holyrood list seats in 2021.
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