Spanish Congress Of Deputies Passes Ssm Bill

[Bizud]

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...iage050630.html

 

Just two days after Canadian members of Parliament passed same-sex marriage legislation, Spanish lawmakers have voted to allow gays and lesbians to legally marry.

 

The vote in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies was 187 in favour, 147 against and four abstentions.

 

The Conservative-dominated Senate had rejected the bill. But it is an advisory board and final say rests with the Congress.

 

The law would make Spain only the fourth country in the world to officially recognize same-sex marriage. The Netherlands and Belgium approved same-sex marriages in 2000 and 2003.

 

In Canada, the Liberals' controversial same-sex marriage legislation passed final reading in the House of Commons Tuesday. It is expected to become law before the end of July.

 

"We were not the first, but I am sure we will not be the last," Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told the chamber. "After us will come many other countries, driven, ladies and gentlemen, by two unstoppable forces: freedom and equality."

 

Zapatero's Socialist government proposed the legislation shortly after winning the 2004 elections.

 

Spanish gay couples can get married as soon as the law is published in the official government registry, which could come as early as Friday, or within two weeks at the latest, the parliament's press office said.

 

The legislation has been opposed by Conservative legislators and the Roman Catholic Church. In a rare step, the church endorsed a rally in which hundreds of thousands marched through Madrid in opposition to the bill. Some 20 bishops took part in the June 18 rally.

[juanpe]

yes, it's been passed as recent as two hours ago (Spanish time: Thursday 30th june, 15.15): a historic day for all gays and lesbians, for society in general and for freedom and equal social rights

 

Just one sentence the Spanish president mentioned in his speech which may summarize what this law means:

 

"Una sociedad decente es aquella que no humilla a sus miembros" Jose Luis Rodr

Edited June 30, 2005 by juanpe

[no yu begin wher i end]

"Una sociedad decente es aquella que no humilla a sus miembros" Jose Luis Rodr

[Dan #2]

Go Spain!!

 

(And go Canada too!!!)

[juanpe]

exactly, and Canada too. you passed the law the previous day!

[no yu begin wher i end]

Well, technically it's gotta go through the Senate, but that's a pretty much Liberal-dominated body so it'll pass no problem by the end of July.

[juanpe]

The law has already been published today, July 1st, in the official Spanish government registry, which means that as soon as from this Sunday on, those gay couples who want to marry will be able to, and start the process of legal adoption of kids

Edited July 1, 2005 by juanpe

[Moonlight_Graham]

cool. One small pen-stroke for man, one giant leap for mankind.

[TheKwas]

One massive jump for mankind that likes mankind.

[Moonlight_Graham]

one massive jump for mankind that likes to jump mankind.