Murdo Fraser says he still does not support gay marriage

According to the Daily Record, which first reported the story, Mr Fraser said this while launching his leadership campaign, and was joined on stage by his openly gay MSP colleague Jamie Greene.

The Scottish Conservative leadership candidate voted against same-sex marriage in 2014.

Mr Fraser was one of 18 MSPs who opposed the legislation, while the rest of the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly voted for it.

Ten years later, he said his mind has still not changed and that his religious values dictate his belief that people of the same sex should not marry, but he also added that his personal beliefs "should not be a barrier to standing for office".

The MSP who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, will face contest from Russell Findlay and Meghan Gallacher in the race to replace Douglas Ross as leader of the Scottish Tories.

Mr Fraser has been calling on his party opponents to drop out of the contest and endorse him to “bring this sorry chapter to a close” to unify the party.

When asked about the criticism he faces from other MSPs that he is stuck in the past with his views, Mr Fraser 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."

READ MORE: 

• Murdo Fraser seeks coronation in bid to end fractious contest
• Three MSPs confirm reaching threshold to proceed in Tory race as deadline looms

Meghan Gallacher, who recently resigned as depute leader, is running against Murdo Fraser. (Image: Andrew Milligan) Ahead of the hustings taking place this weekend, one of his rivals has spoken out against his views.

While saying she ‘respects’ his views, Meghan Gallacher added that she opposes them.

She said: “I fully respect Murdo and his views, but I completely support same-sex- marriage.

"I am looking forward to setting out my stall to party members at the hustings this weekend and discussing my plans to reset, rebuild and restore the party."

Murdo Fraser was also one of only four Torie MSPs to vote against same-sex couples being able adopt children, nearly 20 years ago.

During the debate in 2006, he said: “Many believe that children need male and female role models, and they are concerned that adoption by same-sex couples excludes such a possibility and is simply not in children's best interests.

“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.”

 However, he recently told Sky News that his views on that matter have since “relaxed”.

Fraser is not the first person who has eyed party leadership and then announced his opposition to the topic during the contest.

While running to replace Nicola Sturgeon in 2023, current deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said had she been an MSP in 2014, she would have voted against same-sex marriage due to her religious beliefs.

While claiming to still be progressive many of Forbes’ supporters dropped out of her campaign, as Humza Yousaf went on to become Scotland’s first Muslim leader.