Portugal poised to pass marriage equality

[racaulk]

Catholic Portugal set to legalise gay marriage

LISBON — Catholic Portugal, traditionally one of Europe's most socially conservative countries, is expected to approve the legalisation of gay marriage on Friday with a minimum of fuss.

With the governing Socialists and other left-wing parties enjoying a strong majority, the new law is likely to sail through the first reading debate and gain final approval before a visit by Pope Benedict XVI, due in Portugal in May.

In contrast to Spain, where the lead-up to the legalisation of gay marriage in 2005 brought hundreds of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets, the bill in Portugal has provoked only muted opposition even from the right.

While normally vocal on the role of marriage and the family in society, the Catholic Church has refused to mobilise on a subject which, according to Lisbon's Cardinal Patriarch Jose Policarpo, is "parliament's responsibility".

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Link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jrwOq2dD4Tzk7HdDZdxtRK011v8A

Portuguese govt aims to 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.

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Link (about 3 weeks old, but relevant): http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/portuguese-govt-aims-to-243857.html

If this passes, Portugal will join Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium in having nationwide marriage equality for gay couples.

:woohoo:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. Portugal, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium.

Nobody can say those ain't nice places.

But right-wingers prefer Uganda.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Great news...Gives me an excuse to say I love Portugal

All I can say is if you love Europe and you haven't been, go.

[racaulk]

3. I have only been to Europe once, on a trip to Ireland and the UK.

Portugal is HIGH on the list for my next trip. I've heard so many great things about that country, and this is just one more reason for me to spend my tourist $$$ there!

:hi:

[BeyondGeography]

5. Absolutely...I'm so happy to read this about one of my favorite places on earth

:hi:

[joeybee12]

4. I have always heard that Portugal is one of the most conservative countries

in Europe, so this surprises me, but in a good way.

[Deep13]

6. Another European nation catches up to Iowa!

:fistbump:

[RetiredTrotskyite]

7. Speaking of Marriage Equality....

any word from New Jersey?

[racaulk]

8. I think the Senate debate was supposed to start at 2:00pm EST.

I haven't heard anything yet, but remaining hopeful. :hi:

[Bluenorthwest]

9. Time to move, I think...

[marginlized]

10. Gives me hope

That humans aren't all as nasty as they are in the land of H8.