Scottish campaigners against gay marriage are to protest outside a meeting of senior politicians. The group Scotland For Marriage says it expects more than 100 people to join a demonstration on Thursday when the Scottish cabinet meets in Renfrew, reports the Strathearn Herald.

The Scottish Government recently announced plans for legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry. At the time Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted that it is "the right thing to do".

But the decision was condemned by many of the country's religious leaders, with Scotland For Marriage describing the Government's plans as "ill-conceived and poorly thought-out".

Backed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland and the non-denominational Christian Institute charity, among others, the campaign group will use its protest to raise fears that changing the law could see teachers disciplined if they refuse to use books about same-sex relationships.

Protesters plan to have banners showing the covers of books such as Daddy's Roommate, Mom And Mum Are Getting Married and The Sissy Duckling.

A Scotland For Marriage spokesman said: "Under sex education rules, schools must tell children about marriage. If the legal definition of marriage is changed, there will be political pressure for books like this to be used. Our legal advice is that teachers could be disciplined if they refuse to use the resources.

"Parents may also find it difficult to withdraw children from classes. Our supporters are highly motivated and harbour deep fears for the future that if the marriage laws are redefined, gay marriage will be promoted to schoolchildren in Scotland."

FULL STORY Anti-gay marriage protest planned (Strathearn Herald)

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