Portugal's parliament passed a bill (125 to 99) to allow gay marriage. The bill removes the language in the current law that says marriage is between two people of different sexes. It is believed that the Conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva will not veto the bill. If he signs the bill, it would allow the first gay marriage ceremonies to happen in April. Prime Minister Jose Socrates said this measure will help to modernize Portugal, which is a predominantly Catholic nation. He said, "This law rights a wrong...[and] simply ends pointless suffering." Two years ago Socrates's government also lifted Portugal's ban on abortion, despite opposition from the Catholic Church. If the bill is ratified, Portugal will join the ranks of Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Canada, South Africa, and six U.S. states in allowing gay marriage.
Previously, Portugal allowed civil unions between same sex couples (it was signed into law in 2001). The unions granted certain legal, tax, and property rights for same-sex couples. However, it did now allow the couples to take their partner's last name, inherit their possessions, or inherit their partner's state pension -- which is permitted in marriages.
During the debate on allowing same sex marriage, the Left Bloc and the Green Party also proposed allowing gay couples to adopt children. However, that was voted down. (
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