A Scottish Tory leadership candidate has said he still does not support gay marriage because of his religious beliefs, 10 years after voting against it.
However, Murdo Fraser told Sky News that he is now “quite relaxed” about same-sex adoption, having previously voiced opposition to it.
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Mr Fraser, a Scottish MSP, added that personal religious beliefs “should not be a barrier to standing for office”.
The Scottish parliament overwhelmingly voted to allow gay couples to marry in 2014.
At the time, Mr Fraser was one of 18 MSPs to oppose it, saying it could threaten the charitable status of faith-based groups and providers that do not recognise same-sex marriage.
Mr Fraser also opposed same-sex couples being able to adopt, saying during a debate on the issue in 2006 that “children need male and female role models” and “people who express such views are not homophobes, extremists or, as some suggest, ‘religious nutters'”.
“They have genuine concerns that should not be dismissed with name calling and abuse”, he had said.
Mr Fraser told Sky News he has since changed his opinion and is “quite relaxed” about same-sex adoption.
However, he said he is still opposed to same-sex marriage because of his religious beliefs.
Asked about criticism from some other MSPs that he is “stuck in the past”, he said: “Most people are understanding that politicians are entitled to have personal religious views and that should not be a barrier to them standing for office.”
Mr Fraser was speaking after his campaign launch to…
