The Church of Scotland has voted to allow clergy to perform same-sex marriages for the first time in its history.
The vote to change the church law was made by members of the General Assembly in Edinburgh on Monday.
What the change entails is that same-sex couple will now have the option to marry in church services conducted by ministers.
It also means that ministers and deacons can apply to become celebrants of same-sex marriage.
The votes for the new church law were 274 in favour and 136 against.
It is reported that opinions regarding the change were divided among members of the assembly prior to the vote.
Rev Scott Rennie, who wasthe first openly gay clergyman in the Church of Scotland, told the General Assembly:
"I sincerely hope the assembly will find it in itself to support the deliverance, even those who have their doubt."
"I want to say that marriage is a wonderful thing. My marriage to my husband Dave nurtures my life and my ministry. Frankly, I couldn't be a minister without his love and support. It is much the same as opposite sex marriage in its joys and its glories."
[Based on reporting by: BBC]
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