Bishop Tartaglia's comments came after the most senior Scottish catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, said legalising same-sex marriage would "shame Scotland in the eyes of the world".

BBC: Catholic Church in anti-gay marriage stance

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law a bill that allowed same-sex couples to wed.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

It is one of a number of premises to host the clinics and Mr O'Doherty and his team often leaflet clubbers and hand out safe sex packs.

BBC: 20% of new HIV cases in Northern Ireland are men over 45

Ms Davidson, who is gay, has been among those giving cross-party support to a same-sex marriage bill which is being brought forward by the Scottish government, while Cardinal O'Brien has been a strong critic of the plans.

BBC: Cardinal Keith O'Brien

Vice-President Joe Biden, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley - seen as possible presidential hopefuls - have also backed same-sex marriage.

BBC: Hillary Clinton backs gay marriage in online video