Scottish parents 'cannot withdraw children from all gay marriage lessons' Measures aimed at protecting from legal action celebrants who refuse. Alex Salmond, the First Minister, said the proposals struck the right balance between making a "proud step forwards for equality" for gay people and defending freedom of speech and religion. They have support across the Holyrood chamber and the first gay marriages are expected to take place in 2015, but the Catholic Church and Church of Scotland said they feared there were "inadequate safeguards" for those who disagree. Faith aspects of the curriculum in Roman Catholic schools will continue to be determined by the church, while the consultation said state schools have to inform parents about "sensitive aspects of learning." However, ministers are to issue updated guidance on teaching gay marriage in sex education lessons. They said it was not "appropriate" that gay marriage and homosexuality should "never be raised in primary schools." Existing exemptions covering sex education and religious lessons will remain, but parents will not be allowed "to withdraw children from any lesson where same sex marriage, civil partnerships or homosexuality might be mentioned." According to the consultation paper, the move would breach the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which protects their right to an education. The document noted that gay marriage could "arise in lessons in a variety of situations" before concluding: "It would not be feasible to provide for parents to withdraw their children from all lessons where these issues might arise, sometimes very briefly." Ministers have ruled against introducing specific statutory protections for teachers and other public sector workers, such as NHS chaplains, opposed to the change. The consultation argued it would set an "unwelcome precedent." Neither do they want instant disciplinary action for teachers who refuse to teach gay marriage, with councils advised to discuss the issue and take into account religious beliefs. However, the consultation warned staff they must follow the profession's code of conduct on "equality and diversity." This states they must act in accordance with the law in a "non-judgemental" manner regardless of their personal "values and beliefs." Frank Mulholland, the Lord Advocate, is to issue new guidelines for prosecuting opponents of same-sex marriage. This will not affect individuals "expressing views" but could include anyone thought to be using inflammatory or offensive language. The draft Bill changes the legal definitions of "marriage" and "husband and wife" to include gay couples and has the affect of applying this to all existing legislation. The consultation states the "intention is that, where possible, opposite- sex marriage and same-sex marriage should be treated in the same way." A spokesman Scotland for Marriage, a church-organised group protesting the change, said: "For Alex Salmond to keep his word and protect the civil liberties of traditional marriage supporters, legal protections have to go beyond churches and marriage celebrants. Teachers, parents, school kids, NHS chaplains and others in everyday life must not be penalised for backing traditional marriage. Rev Alan Hamilton, convener of the Church of Scotland's legal questions committee, said that, unless the organisation's General Assembly decided otherwise, it would oppose same-sex marriage. He added: "What we fear will be inadequate safeguards for religious bodies and ministers and people of faith who view this as being contrary to their beliefs." Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, of the Scottish Catholic Church, described the change as "unwise and unnecessary" and called for laws to be changed to prevent "the unjust penalisation of anyone who disagrees" with gays marriage. But Alex Neil, the Scottish Health Minister, said: "We are introducing same sex marriage in Scotland because it is the right thing to do. We are striving to create a Scotland that is free, tolerant and fair and I am pleased to say there is support across the chamber for this significant step.