Sweden to allow gay marriage in May

[JI7]

Source: the local

Three of the parties in the four-party governing coalition have tabled a motion that is expected to pave the way for gay marriage in Sweden from May 1st this year.

While heterosexuals in Sweden can choose to marry in either a civil ceremony or a church ceremony, homosexuals are only allowed to register their partnerships in a civil ceremony. But this could all change, with parliament likely to pass new legislation on the matter.

If the new legislation is adopted, Sweden, already a pioneer in giving same-sex couples the right to adopt children, would become the first country in the world to allow gays to marry within a major church.

The Lutheran Church, which was separated from the state in 2000, has since January 2007 offered gays a religious blessing of their union. It has previously said it wants the word "marriage" reserved for heterosexual unions.

Read more: http://www.thelocal.se/17050/20090121/

[meegbear]

1. Excellent news!

[mikelgb]

2. only in May? Well I guess may weddings are pretty...

[Kajsa]

6. That's the first month it really starts to warm

up and the snow disappears, for those who
want an outdoor ceremony.

May and June are beautiful in Sweden.

:)

[David__77]

3. The whole idea of a state church is fundamentally backward and feudal.

The US and France set a good example in that regard.

[Hardrada]

5. Make that "state religion." Other belief systems should not

get a pass either.

[xchrom]

4. ...

:applause: