Gay Marriage Around the World – Iceland and Portugal
The small island nation of Iceland (pop. 320,000) is preparing to legalize gay marriage.
The government introduced its gender-neutral marriage bill on March 23, CarnalNation.com reported.
The bill has the backing of Prime Minister Johanna Siguroardottir, the world’s first openly lesbian politician to be elected to helm a country. Iceland was one of the first nations to recognize gay unions in 1996 with registered partnerships. The law has been expanded over the years to grant gay and lesbian couples all the rights, benefits and obligations of marriage, including adoption.
Siguroardottir originally took over the reins of Iceland’s government as interim prime minister on February 1; results of the special election secured her post.
Siguroardottir entered a registered partnership with writer-playwright Jonina Leosdottir in 2002. She has two adult sons from a previous marriage. Previous expansions of registered partnerships sailed easily through Iceland’s Parliament, which suggests that the gay marriage bill will likely see an easy adoption. If approved, gay couples could marry as early as June 27.
The Icelandic gay society is small but very active and a ‘gay scene’ exists only in Reykjavík.
MORE GAY MARRIAGE NEWS….
Portugal might soon become the sixth European country to allow same-sex marriage. Back in January, their Parliament passed a gay marriage bill with the support from their left-of-center parties.
And in even better news, this past Thursday, Portugal’s highest court ruled that the proposed law should be enacted! This now leaves only their conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva, who has the power to ratify or veto, to decide within the next 20 days.
The president’s signature is the final step before their country can be free to have the equal rights they all deserve.
LISBON is the current hotspot in Portugal!
BEST GAY CITIES Around the World!
