Monday, December 21, 2009

Portuguese govt aims to permit gay marriage - BARRY HATTON – AP -guardian.co.uk

Associated Press Writer= LISBON, Portugal (AP) â Portugal's Socialist government has drawn up a proposal that would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow gay marriage.

The law is almost certain to pass, as the center-left Socialist government has the support of all left-of-center parties, who together have a majority in Parliament. Right-of-center parties oppose the measure. Photo

The proposal changes Portuguese law to remove references to marriage being between two people of different sexes, Cabinet Minister Pedro Silva Pereira told a news conference Thursday, adding the government will send its proposal to lawmakers for a debate, probably in January.

If approved by Parliament, the proposed law goes to Portugal's conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva, who can ratify or veto it. A veto can be overturned by Parliament.

If there is no presidential veto, the first gay marriage ceremonies could take place in April â a month before Pope Benedict XVI is due on a four-day official visit. Read complete article – by BARRY HATTON – AP -guardian.co.uk

Related link:

PORTUGAL’S GAY MARRIAGE PROPOSAL - Truthdig


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