Equalities campaigners in Scotland welcomed the backing of MSPs yesterday for a Bill to legalise same-sex marriage.

The majority of MSPs on the Scottish Parliament's equal opportunities committee have agreed to support the general aim of the SNP government's Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill.

Equality Network charity spokesman Tom French backing the Bill will help to remove discrimination from law.

"With just days to go before the crucial stage-one vote on the equal marriage Bill, we urge MSPs to stand up for a fairer and more equal Scotland by giving this milestone legislation their full support," he said.

"The large majority of people in Scotland believe it's time LGBT people had full equality, including the right to marry the person they love. This Bill will remove discrimination from the law and send out an important message about the kind of country we are."

Committee convener Labour's Margaret McCulloch said MSPs recognise the "validity, depth and sincerity of all views submitted" on what had clearly been "an emotive issue."

"While the majority of our committee supports the general principles of this Bill, we wholeheartedly support the right of all members of the Scottish Parliament to vote on the Bill as a matter of conscience."

The Bill remains opposed "on a point of principle" by some unnamed MSPs as well as by the group Scotland for Marriage (SFM).

A spokesman for SFM called for safeguards in the legislation to protect those opposed to it.

"At home, in the workplace and in schools, declaring a belief in traditional marriage should always be permitted and respected," he said.