Scotland has joined the growing global ranks of countries that have made gay marriage legal. On Tuesday, the Scottish parliament passed a bill with flying rainbow colors –105 votes in favor, 18 against — granting religious organizations the right to perform gay marriages on an opt-in basis.

The Associated Press brought reactions from supporters and detractors alike after the vote:

Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil called the bill’s approval “one of the great historic days of the parliament.” But some religious leaders criticized it as an assault on tradition.

The first gay marriage ceremonies in Scotland should take place by the end of the year.

–Posted by Kasia Anderson

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#gay marriage#gay rights#homophobia#homosexuality#ireland#northern ireland#religion#scotland#uk#united kingdom#wales