A decision on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriage in Scotland is expected in two weeks.

Members of the Scottish cabinet are likely to make a decision on the controversial issue when they meet in Edinburgh on July 10.

Almost 80,000 people responded to a Scottish Government consultation on the issue.

It closed in December, with responses still being analysed. A Government spokeswoman said: "With 77,000 responses in total there has been some further work necessary, so the consultation will be discussed at cabinet in two weeks' time."

At the start of the consultation the government said it "tends towards the view" that same-sex marriage should be introduced, but that faith groups and their celebrants should not be obliged to solemnise the ceremonies.

In early June the Equality Network, which has been campaigning for same-sex marriage to be introduced, said a majority of MSPs backed the change.

The organisation said 69 MSPs had signed a pledge supporting this, including the leaders of all the opposition parties, the majority of SNP and Labour MSPs, and all Liberal Democrat and Green MSPs.

However a number of religious groups have spoken out against same-sex marriage, with the group Scotland for Marriage formed to campaign against changing the law.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, has already said that two thirds of those who responded to the consultation are opposed to the idea.

Speaking in April he urged the Scottish Government to listen to them and "abandon this crazy plan to dismantle marriage, which has only ever meant the union of a man and a woman".

If the government decides to legislate to introduce same-sex marriage, there would be a further consultation on a draft Bill. A finalised Bill could then be introduced into the Scottish Parliament in 2013.

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