Commenting as a senior Catholic bishop urges the Scottish Government to not proceed with its legislation on same-sex marriage, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:

"I am disappointed that leaders of the Catholic Church in Scotland have threatened the Scottish Government over proposals to bring equality to marriage. Over six in ten people support same sex marriage, so to threaten politicians with the votes of 800,000 people of the Catholic faith may backfire on the Church.

"I can't see how it is "cultural vandalism" to bring greater equality into Scottish society. Under the changes the Catholic Church, nor anyone else, will not be forced to conduct a same sex marriage ceremony but if they wish to the law will no longer stop them. That's a very tolerant and fair approach to this issue.

"Ten years ago politicians stood firm against the Catholic Church and others when they threatened the Parliament over Section 2a equality teaching, I hope the Scottish Parliament stands for what is right and fair again."