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Sweden moves closer to gay marriage

Sat 6 Oct 2007 In: International News View at Wayback

Sweden's three opposition parties have put forward a motion in the Swedish Parliament to allow gay marriages. On Friday, the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Left Party said the time had come to join the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain in Europe to allow full marriage. Elsewhere in the world, Canada and South Africa also allow same-sex couples to marry. There is wide support in the Swedish parliament for the move, with the Christian Democrats the only party against the plans. They are in a minority in the government, with three out of four of the ruling parties also in favour, but the Christian Democrat's opposition means the government is unable to put forward a motion itself. This is the first time the three opposition leaders have put forward a common motion, and they are now hoping enough gay friendly MPs from the government parties will rebel so they can get a majority in the parliament vote. The government's small majority mean that only four MPs have to switch sides. Sweden already has civil partnerships under a law enacted in 1995 that gives most of the rights and obligations of marriage to same-sex couples who register. The Swedish Lutheran Church has said once the bill is approved it will conduct same-sex marriages in its churches.     Ref: Radio Sweden, 365gay.com

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Saturday, 6th October 2007 - 10:20am

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