Marriage - allow with minimal attendees
Marriage licenses should be issued again so that marriages can take place, with suitable precautions including limiting the number of attendees. If necessary, it could be just the couple, celebrant, and the two legally-required witnesses.
Why the contribution is important
The current ban on marriages is very problematic for couples who cannot move forward with their lives because of it. This is especially painful for couples who have not met until their thirties, as every month that goes by is precious and irrecoverable in terms of starting a family. There are additional costs in terms of maintaining two rents/mortgages etc, and perhaps living alone at this time.
Since a marriage can take place with only five people present, and the witnesses and celebrant could stand well away from the couple, this could be done safely.
It would obviously be of great benefit to couples affected, but would also be very good for the morale of the country as a whole. Knowing that our friends can get married and begin a new phase of life, even if we cannot be there, will be a boost for so many – a sign of hope and of life beyond the pandemic. Such signs are going to be very important to help us to stay the course in the coming months and maintain those restrictions that are indeed necessary to protect the vulnerable in our society.
Since a marriage can take place with only five people present, and the witnesses and celebrant could stand well away from the couple, this could be done safely.
It would obviously be of great benefit to couples affected, but would also be very good for the morale of the country as a whole. Knowing that our friends can get married and begin a new phase of life, even if we cannot be there, will be a boost for so many – a sign of hope and of life beyond the pandemic. Such signs are going to be very important to help us to stay the course in the coming months and maintain those restrictions that are indeed necessary to protect the vulnerable in our society.
by gmb on May 05, 2020 at 01:19PM
Posted by Nicola0110 May 05, 2020 at 13:29
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Posted by Puffin1730 May 05, 2020 at 13:37
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Posted by lisamcravey May 05, 2020 at 13:42
Marriage licences should be issued again immediately, as the time lag on this at the moment is likely to affect all couples intending to marry over the next three months. I second the above that it would help with national morale, seeing signs of hope and future planning, and allow people to continue with some aspect of their lives, starting families etc.
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Posted by hmoss May 05, 2020 at 13:49
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Posted by Chrismollitt May 05, 2020 at 13:56
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Posted by RAMBUNCTIOUS May 05, 2020 at 14:25
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Posted by Peter94 May 05, 2020 at 14:37
As Puffin1730 mentioned already, my fiance and I have resolved not to live with one another until we are married and are therefore currently in limbo. As a couple, we are very aware that restrictions are necessary to stop the spread of the virus, but I would suggest permitting small scale marriage ceremonies would be a sensible and manageable option when it comes to easing restrictions.
As people have stated, this would help with national morale and I can absolutely confirm would bring great joy to us, our family and our friends.
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Posted by jmcewan17 May 05, 2020 at 14:49
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Posted by Rosemary May 05, 2020 at 15:34
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Posted by plrees May 05, 2020 at 15:50
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Posted by Kimi May 05, 2020 at 15:53
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Posted by james96 May 05, 2020 at 15:55
I think the fact the government are taking on lead on recognising this and looking to implement it sensibly shows great leadership.
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Posted by amc May 05, 2020 at 16:12
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Posted by M19 May 05, 2020 at 16:39
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Posted by Julie May 05, 2020 at 18:58
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Posted by JoanShearer26 May 05, 2020 at 19:22
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Posted by kmclachlan May 05, 2020 at 20:55
As Christians, we have chosen not to live together until the day we are married. We would happily get married with very few people present and hope the government will consider this proposal.
Would the government also consider allowing marriage applications to be processed online? This decision has been made in other countries and may help to deal with the backlog of applications and avoid the need for face-to-face registry appointments.
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Posted by CBCpastor May 05, 2020 at 21:10
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Posted by ramotswefan May 05, 2020 at 21:27
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Posted by Jeannie May 06, 2020 at 09:47
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Posted by tmcewan14 May 06, 2020 at 10:45
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Posted by aopara May 06, 2020 at 10:55
I am sure that as well as bringing lots of joy to couples currently waiting to marry, introducing an online system would also help to ease the load on registry offices who will have an enormous backlog to deal with once this pandemic is over.
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Posted by Azzeddine May 06, 2020 at 14:27
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Posted by Azzeddine May 06, 2020 at 14:31
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Posted by naeem95 May 06, 2020 at 15:40
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Posted by abirose10 May 06, 2020 at 16:45
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Posted by Drinaburgermorris May 06, 2020 at 17:21
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Posted by dminto12 May 06, 2020 at 19:50
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Posted by DP May 06, 2020 at 20:44
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Posted by Debrastorr May 06, 2020 at 21:15
But no party, gathering etc. And a strong discouragement for travel
It need not be depressing with maximum use of webcasting to family and friends and a bit of imagination.
But if you want a party, you’ll have to wait.
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Posted by JG65 May 06, 2020 at 22:18
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Posted by lhoughstewart May 07, 2020 at 10:24
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Posted by NKTC May 07, 2020 at 11:49
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Posted by igneous May 07, 2020 at 13:01
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Posted by jmfarrell92 May 07, 2020 at 20:52
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Posted by crabpeople May 07, 2020 at 20:53
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Posted by Jayney74 May 08, 2020 at 09:02
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Posted by RAJM May 08, 2020 at 21:30
For many, marriages are not merely social events but essential services which are necessary in order to conclude visa proceedings, or to begin family planning. I am sure that every couple would wish to celebrate their marriages with family and friends. Nevertheless, the luxury of being able to do so is something which many couples are willing to sacrifice in order to be able to marry at all. For many, this is not a social engagement, but an essential point in life. I would urge the Scottish Government to find a way in which to lift the current ban on marriages as soon as possible.
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Posted by Johnh May 09, 2020 at 10:05
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Posted by Tedeum May 09, 2020 at 13:53
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Posted by Tommy84 May 10, 2020 at 23:17
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Posted by LinzScot May 11, 2020 at 12:48
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Posted by Ktboyle123 May 11, 2020 at 21:56
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