Holyrood fails to decide on gay marriage

Equality campaigners hit out today at the Scottish Government after it failed to announce a decision on same-sex marriage laws.

Controversial proposals to legalise gay marriage were discussed by ministers at a meeting of the cabinet in Edinburgh.

They said, however, that further examination was needed before a final decision on whether to bring forward legislation is reached.

The Government said a clear decision would be announced by the end of the month, as it ruled out a referendum on the issue.

The Equality Network and the Scottish Youth Parliament both expressed disappointment while Labour said the SNP had displayed weak leadership.

Ministers had already delayed making a decision from the spring, stating that they needed more time to consider the large number of responses to the public consultation.