South African panel OKs gay marriage

[Ian David]

Thursday, November 9, 2006 · Last updated 1:17 p.m. PT

South African panel OKs gay marriage

By CLARE NULLIS
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- A parliamentary committee approved proposals for same-sex marriages in South Africa on Thursday, clearing the way for the passage of legislation that would be unique on a deeply conservative continent.

The compromise, reached after heated public debate, upset religious groups, traditionalists and even some members of the governing African National Congress while gay rights activists said it didn't go far enough.

"It's been a very difficult time. It was a major challenge," said Patrick Chauke, chairman of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee, which spent weeks touring the country to gauge public opinion and received nearly 6,000 written comments.

The civil unions bill will go to a full session of parliament Tuesday. Despite the unease in the ANC ranks, it is expected to pass as lawmakers have been ordered to follow the party line and told there is little room for maneuver.

More:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1105AP_South_Africa_Gay_Marriages.html

[moose65]

1. So, what it is?

Is it marriage or civil unions? The article uses both terms to describe it. In any case, kudos to South Africa. They have obviously learned from their past what the results of discrimination are.