03 Jul 05

Spain has become the fourth country to legalise gay marriage, with MPs backing a bill allowing full marriage and adoption rights. Lesbian and gay couples across Spain were celebrating today, after the country's government finally legalised gay marriage yesterday afternoon.

The passing of the laws comes despite high profile protests and demonstrations from religious leaders and conservative groups; thousands of people took to the streets last weekend in a march organised by the Catholic Church against the laws.

However, the socialist government had responded by promising broad reforms for the country.

Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero said the changes made Spain a better place to live - for all members of society.

"Today Spain is a more decent country, because a decent society is one that does not humiliate its members," press reports quote him as saying yesterday after the vote of 187-147.

The bill had been expected to push through Spain's parliament, despite the Senate's blocking of it earlier this week.

Same-sex couples and campaigners waited outside the parliamentary buildings to toast the final decision and to celebrate.

They said the laws, which give full marriage access and adoption rights, will be a step towards equality for lesbian and gay people.

Spain is the second country this week to move towards gay marriage. On Wednesday, Canada's MPs approved laws allowing couples across the country to tie the knot after a protracted fight with conservative campaigners.

The Netherlands and Belgium are the only two countries that allow same-sex couples to wed.

Source. uk.gay.com