It continues to amaze me how Europe and parts of South America continue to out strip the USA in terms of equality under the civil laws and true religious freedom. Here in the USA, an intolerant, hate filled version of Christianity is enshrined in the laws and LGBT citizens face daily religious based discrimination. Now, Portugal seems poised to join other countries in affording same sex couples full marriage rights. One can only wonder when the USA - the faux land of the free - will catch up with parts of "old Europe" and progressive areas in South America. Here are some highlights from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution on the developments in Portugal:*
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.
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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.
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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.
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Pedro Corte-Real, head of the Portuguese delegation of ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, said the proposal was a vindication of his group's battle to end sexual discrimination. "We have been fighting for this for years," he told The AP.
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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.
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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.
*
Pedro Corte-Real, head of the Portuguese delegation of ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, said the proposal was a vindication of his group's battle to end sexual discrimination. "We have been fighting for this for years," he told The AP.
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