Portuguese govt may permit gay marriage

[WillParkinson]

Portuguese govt may permit gay marriage

(Lisbon, Portugal) 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.

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 – a month before Pope Benedict XVI is due on a four-day official visit.

http://www.365gay.com/news/portuguese-govt-may-permit-gay-marriage/

[Rageneau]

1. It must be nice to live in a free country like Portugal.

A couple of years ago, Portugal also decriminalized all drugs, with nothing but positive results.

I wish I lived in a progressive, compassionate, intelligent country like Portugal -- or could afford to move to one.