23 May 2022
Church of Scotland Approves Same-Sex Marriage
Cultural Legal UK
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland voted 274 to 136 to allow ministers and deacons to apply to become authorised celebrants for same-sex marriages, following approval from 29 of 41 presbyteries. No minister is required to participate — they must individually opt in. This made the Kirk the largest UK church at that time to embrace same-sex marriage.
Impact & Significance
As Scotland's national church, the Kirk's approval of same-sex marriage was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream Protestantism.
Reference Record
- Date
- 23 May 2022
- Era
- 2020-present
- Sources
- 1
Editorially reviewed — reviewed · last reviewed 2026-09-01.
Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q When was same-sex marriage legalised in the UK? Same-sex marriage was legalised across the UK in stages, with England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland reaching implementation at different times. Q How did international law change LGBTQ+ rights? International law changed LGBTQ+ rights by challenging criminalisation, creating partnership recognition, protecting sexual orientation in constitutions and opening marriage equality.
