> Last Updated: Wednesday, 5 November, 2003, 10:45 GMT
>
> Scottish Parliamentarians argue for equal rights
> Religous leaders have condemned same-sex partnerships during a stormy
> Scottish Parliamentary Committee meeting.
> Ghulam Nabi of the UK Islamic Mission clashed with MSPs when he declared
> that "gay couples do not serve any purpose in society."
>
> He told the Scottish Parliament's equal opportunities committee that he was
> in favour of rights for gay couples but not as part of marriage.
>
> Catholic Priest John Keenan added his criticisms to the plans to give
> homosexual couples equal legal rights.
>
> He is opposed to legislation because he feels that, "marriage between man
> and woman is the best context for...the proper development of society."
>
> Committee commitments
>
> Members of the equal opportunities committee defended their attempts to
> improve the rights of homosexuals.
>
> Committee convener Cathy Peattie said she doesn't understand why legal
> rights for same-sex couples are "a threat to marriage in any way".
>
> Her deputy, Margaret Smith, claimed the proposals are about "trying to offer
> some sort of choice".
>
> The committee is considering whether a Westminister bill should cover
> Scotland as well.
>
> Rather than bring in legislation of their own, Scotland plans to "tag on" to
> a UK Government bill.
>
> If the proposals do go ahead a "civil partnership" between homosexual
> couples would involve the same conditions as a marriage.
>
> Same sex couples could be jointly responsible for council tax and partners
> will benefit from pension schemes.
>
> The Scottish public is currently being consulted over the proposals.
>
> You can watch this exchange on BBC Parliament from 1000 GMT on Saturday 8
> November
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