A "rainbow coalition" of organisations has united to back proposed changes to the law which would legalise same-sex marriage.

Representatives from the Equality Network, the Scottish Youth Parliament, Amnesty International, Unison, the Humanist Society of Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland and NUS Scotland jointly announced their support for "equal marriage" in Scotland.

The Scottish Government launched a consultation in September asking if marriage in Scotland should be allowed for gay people through a civil or religious ceremony. Same-sex couples can currently enter a civil partnership which carries full legal rights but the ceremony cannot be conducted in a church or other religious premises.

The Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland are opposed to the government proposals. Equal Marriage campaigners have handed over 18,000 responses to the Government's consultation.

Tom French, policy co-ordinator for the Equality Network, said: "Today we have seen a rainbow coalition of organisations from across Scottish society voice their strong support for equal marriage.

"It is increasingly clear that the vast majority of Scots support same-sex marriage. For most people this is a simple issue of love, equality and fairness. If a same-sex couple love each other and want to get married, then why should they be banned from doing so?

"There can be no excuse for continuing to deny same-sex couples equality under the law. We hope the Scottish Government will listen to what is being said, stand by its values and legislate for equal marriage."

Ministers and officials have been meeting key groups to discuss the proposals which would ensure religious organisations do not have to register same-sex marriages against their will.

Shabnum Mustapha, Scotland director of Amnesty International, said: "Amnesty International fully supports the Equal Marriage campaign. We believe that from a human rights perspective, the Scottish Government's proposals deliver equal rights for same-sex couples whilst promoting and extending the right to religious freedom."

A recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found that more than 60% of people believe same-sex couples should have the right to marry, compared with 19% who do not.

Nathan Sparling, NUS Scotland LGBT officer, said: "The support shown by students, young people, religious groups and the public to give a basic right to those who wish to marry the person they love has been overwhelming.

"The community has come together to say yes, and I hope the Scottish Government maintains its position, so we'll see true equality in Scotland in the near future."

Last week Ann Allen of the Church of Scotland joined Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, at the launch of the "Scotland For Marriage" campaign outside the Scottish Parliament. They were joined by former SNP leader Gordon Wilson and a group of around 200 supporters.

The group supports the current legal definition of marriage and is resistant to plans to redefine it to include same-sex couples.