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.