ONE-fifth of Scots believe same-sex relationships are “wrong,” according to a new study.

The polling carried out by Survation for the Humanist Society Scotland also revealed that men were far less comfortable with homosexuality than women.

More than 28% of men said they believed homosexuality was wrong, compared to just 12% of women.

LGBT campaigners Stonewall said the findings showed that Scotland still has a long way to go “before everyone is accepted without exception”.

Colin Macfarlane, from the group, said: “We know that in Scotland one in five people have experienced a hate crime in the last year because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We know that only half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people feel comfortable being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with their family and two in five trans people avoid certain streets because they don’t feel safe.

“Scotland has changed for the better over the course of the last 30 years but there is much more to be done before everyone is accepted without exception”.

The poll also suggested that 9% of Scots would “not accept” someone of a different religion being their MSP, while 12% would not want them teaching their child, and 11% would not accept them marrying a relative.

The humanists’ findings also showed that 79% of Scots thought religious leaders should not try and influence people’s votes and 72% said they should not try and influence government decisions.

READ MORE: Scotland to lead the way with 'world first' LGBTI school curriculum

The society’s chief executive, Gordon MacRae, said: “Overall this research paints Scotland as a country accepting of different religious or non-religious outlooks. However there is some findings of concern, for example around one in 10 people would not accept an individual being their MSP if their religion/belief was different.

“There has been unacceptable incidents in the past of people attempting to use religious positions to advocate against voting for candidates in an election.

“Thankfully this is shown to be out of touch with the overwhelming majority of people in the country who hold much more inclusive values and believe religious leaders should not attempt to sway people’s votes.

“It is disappointing to see continued opposition to same-sex relationships amongst a minority but nevertheless sizeable proportion of the community.

“As humanists we support individuals living a loving life with those who make them happy. There clearly continues to be work done to ensure Scotland is a fully inclusive nation for LGBT people.”

In November, Education Secretary John Swinney announced that Scottish primary and secondary pupils would become the first in the world to be taught in a school system that has LGBTI education embedded in the curriculum.