Sturgeon, who led the Scottish government's drive for equal marriage rights when she was deputy first minister, said she believed the outcome would probably be the same, but "the nature of the debate would be much more toxic, divisive and unpleasant than it was 10 years ago".
She added: "That's what should give all of us pause for thought. This is a global phenomenon, that debate on all manner of issues has become so polarised and people find it impossible to breach the divide, to find common ground."
The campaign for same-sex marriage, which has been legal in Scotland since 16 December 2014, remains a template, according to the former first minister, who cited the polarisation of politics as a reason for her stepping down in February 2023.
"What is striking is how relatively civilised the debate was, notwithstanding some of the opposition," she said. "There wasn't the same rancour or thinly veiled prejudice that had characterised the repeal of section 28 just a few years previous to that, and it didn't have the toxicity that most debates in current discourse tend to have."
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'I'm not good enough' Guardiola takes blame after Diallo stuns City
Pep Guardiola said he is \"not good enough\" after Manchester City fell to a dramatic late derby defeat to Manchester United which extended their dire run to eight losses in 11 games.
Wolves target Pereira after sacking O'Neil as head coach
Wolves aim to make a swift appointment after the club took action in their relegation fight by sacking Gary O'Neil yesterday morning.
This Was elite football reimagined by a robot With a hangover
It was deeply fitting Amad Diallo should decide this Manchester derby, mainly because for long periods he seemed to be the only person on the pitch not playing under heavy sedation.
Diallo drives United on to deepen City's despair
When Ruben Amorim oversaw his previous victory over Manchester City - with his old club Sporting in the Champions League - it was to push the reigning Premier League champions towards crisis.
Cucurella red mars win but Jackson keeps Chelsea flying
Keeping up the pretence that this is no title challenge is becoming harder for Chelsea to maintain.
Hürzeler left incensed by referee as Palace cruise
If Michael Oliver isn't on Oliver Glasner's Christmas card list, then the Crystal Palace manager may want to get one in the post before it's too late.
Maddison and Son on target as Spurs demolish sorry Saints
As a battle of the Premier League's two most idealistic managers, it registered as a no-contest.
Celtic eye treble after Maeda holds his nerve to settle final thriller
Six goals, 10 penalties, 11 yellow cards and the unmistakable whiff of controversy.
Skittish England collapse as O'Rourke keeps Kiwis on top
There is rarely a dull moment with this England team, although there are times when their bowlers must surely crave the odd one.
Russo keeps Arsenal's revival in full swing
As Arsenal's players lapped up the full-time applause, the sound of Wham!'s Last Christmas was ringing in the air while the travelling supporters gave their hearts to their interim head coach, Renée Slegers.
