Austria OK’s same-sex civil unions

[Forkboy]

VIENNA - Austria’s Parliament passed legislation yesterday allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, a move hailed by proponents as a historic win for gay rights in the country.

The bill, slated to become law Jan. 1, will give same-sex couples many of the rights enjoyed by their heterosexual counterparts, including access to a pension if one partner dies and alimony in the event of a split.

“We are living in the 21st century, and I’m very glad this step is being taken today,’’ Justice Minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner said during parliamentary debate leading up to the vote.

Christian Hoegl, copresident of the Homosexual Initiative Vienna, Austria’s oldest group of gays and lesbians, agreed.

“It’s a relief, a big success, and a reward for two decades of lobbying,’’ Hoegl said.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2009/12/11/austria_oks_same_sex_civil_unions/

[marginlized]

1. Great, now maybe Arnold

will take note and not veto the next marriage bill that crosses his desk.

[joeybee12]

2. Ah, Austria, the uptight capital of the world!

The birthplace of Hitler.

Home to the most anally retentive people on the planet.

And now, even Austria has passed this stupid country of ours.

(note, they are uptight, but I do love the place...been 4 times!)