Gay rights row in Scots committee

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