Scotland votes to become 17th country to allow same-sex marriage
Bill opposed by church passed by 105 to 18 and will be enacted this year
Scotland has voted overwhelmingly to allow same-sex marriages, becoming the 17th country to give the green light to gay marriage despite opposition from church groups.
The Scottish government, which will hold a referendum on independence from Britain in September, said passing the same-sex marriage bill was an important step for equal rights and paved the way for same-sex wedding ceremonies this year.
The move was opposed by the Scottish Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland but the law will not compel religious institutions to hold ceremonies on their premises.
The approval, in a vote of 105 to 18 in Scotland's devolved parliament, follows similar legislation passed by the British parliament last year that allows same-sex marriage in England and Wales, with the first weddings to take place from March 29.
Scotland Health Secretary Alex Neil said it was "right that same-sex couples should be able to freely express their love and commitment to each other through getting married".
"Marriage is about love, and that has always been at the heart of this issue," Neil said.