A FORMER SNP leader will attack plans to legalise gay marriage as the party's conference takes place this week.
Gordon Wilson, who led the Nationalists in the 1980s, will tell MSPs they face losing their seats if they "scorn the electorate".
The Scottish Government announced in July that it proposes bringing in legislation to allow same-sex couples to wed. Ministers declared it was the "right thing to do" and the move received cross-party support and backing from equality campaigners.
But the controversial plan is vigorously opposed in other quarters such as the Catholic Church and by many other religious leaders.
Mr Wilson will address a fringe meeting organised by Scotland For Marriage, the umbrella group set up to oppose gay marriage laws. He will speak on Thursday, the first day of the party conference in Perth.
He will say: "The consultation process was a fraud. What is the point of canvassing the views of the electorate and then cynically discarding them? If you think we are sliding down a road to state fascism and intolerance, you may not be far wrong.
"Be warned, those MSPs of all parties on a narrow majority who exercise their 'free' vote for same-sex marriage. They may find that a free vote has as much validity as a 'free' lunch. If they ignore public opinion, a P45 may await. Do not scorn the electorate."
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