A MAJORITY of MSPs will vote in favour of same-sex marriage, a Scottish gay campaign group has claimed.

Equality Network says it has cross-party support from 69 MSPs for the proposal, including First Minister Alex Salmond and three of his ministers.

Spokesman Tom French said: "With a clear majority of MSPs committed to voting for equal marriage the Scottish Government should lead the way by introducing full marriage equality, both civil and religious.

"Our politicians say they want Scotland to be a progressive beacon for the rest of the world, now they have the chance to make that ambition a reality."

The Government is expected to announce proposals later this month, but the Equality Network says it will try to secure a Private Members Bill if legislation is not forthcoming. Meanwhile, Britain's second most senior Catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, called reassurances that gay marriage will not be promoted in schools hollow.

Cardinal O'Brien said: "It is clear that Scotland's schools will be banned from promoting a traditional understanding of marriage."

The Scottish Government said it was analysing the responses to its consultation.