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LONDON: Scotland's government has announced plans to legalize same-sex marriages.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Wednesday that legislation permitting the marriages would soon be introduced.
The measure has backing from the major Scottish political parties. It follows a public consultation on the issue.
When enacted, Scotland could become the first part of the UK to allow same-sex marriages.
The UK government has conducted a public consultation on legalizing same-sex marriages, and it has the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron.
But UK officials are waiting for the results of the public consultation before taking further steps.
