An online petition opposing plans to legalise same-sex marriage has attracted around 30,000 signatures, campaigners said.

The Scottish Government announced in July it proposed bringing in legislation to allow same-sex couples to wed. Ministers said it was the "right thing to do" and the move received backing from equality campaigners and cross-party support at Holyrood.

However, the controversial plan is vigorously opposed in other quarters such as the Catholic Church and other religious groups.

The petition was set up by umbrella group Scotland For Marriage.

It said the number of people who had signed its petition had passed the 30,000 mark, as it vowed to redouble efforts to block the legislation. A spokesman said: "The Scottish Government has angered the public by ignoring them and pressing on with plans to meddle with marriage.

"Our campaign is going from strength to strength as the implications of redefining marriage becomes more widely understood."

The SNP has insisted protections in the law will ensure churches, and individuals do not have to conduct same-sex marriages if they do not agree with them.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government is committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage."