Sweden is the seventh country in the world to legalize gay marriage

[Steven_Draker]

"Sweden became the seventh country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide after a six-hour debate on Wednesday among parliament members.

 

All but one of the seven parties in the parliament, ruled by a center-right coalition, backed the legislation, which garnered a 261 to 22 vote, and 16 abstentions, according to the Associated Press.

 

Gender-neutral marriage licenses will begin to be issued starting May 1, replacing a civil union option that has been offered since 1995. Religious institutions will not be compelled to perform ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. A majority of bishops in the Church of Sweden said that churches should not be allowed the task of handling legal registrations of marriages.

 

The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and South Africa already allow same-sex marriage."

 

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid77092.asp

 

 

Who is next?

[Guest]

There seem to be a limited number of countries, though, which permit gay foreigners to wed on their soil. So far I've only heard of Canada. Are there any others?

[JoshAB]

Yay Canada

 

I'm surprised Sweden is just legalizing gay marriage now! I know lots of couples that have come to Canada to wed - not sure if the other 6 will allow it or not.

 

I think it is awesome that countries are finally legalize (US - Obama, are you next?!). That said, I'd never marry even though I live in Canada. Partnered for almost two decades; why bother!

 

Thanks for the post Steven

J

[uwsman2]

Marriage in the US?

 

My partner and I married in Connecticut recently... no residency requirement (we're from out of state).

 

The Iowa Supreme Court will announce its same-sex marriage decision tomorrow morning.

The Vermont legislature (both houses) has just now approved a marriage bill, but the Republican governor threatened to veto it last week. He's being deluged with mail pro and con....