Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Sweden votes in favor of legalizing gay marriage
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Environment
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Sweden votes in favor of legalizing gay marriage
Wed Apr 1, 2009 3:31pm EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden will allow homosexuals to legally marry from May this year after parliament on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move.
The change in the law, which currently allows gay couples to register unions but not formal marriage, comes into force on May 1 this year under the timetable set out in the bill.
Scandinavian countries, known for their liberal attitudes toward gays and lesbians, were among the first countries in Europe to grant same-sex partners the same rights as married couples.
Sweden gave same-sex couples the right to form a union via registered partnerships in the mid-nineties and made it legal for them to adopt in 2002.
The passage of the bill was widely expected and the final tally was 261 votes in favor of the bill and 22 opposed.
"The decision means that gender no longer has an impact on the ability to marry and that the law on registered partnership is repealed," the government said on its website.
The Christian Democrats, part of the four-party coalition government, refused to back the bill.
The new legislation eliminates legal distinctions between heterosexual and homosexual spouses, but does not force dissenting clergy to wed gay couples.
The Swedish Lutheran church, which split from the state in 2000, has said it was open to celebrating and registering same-sex unions, although it wanted to reserve the term matrimony for heterosexual marriages.
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
UK North Sea helicopter crash kills at least eight
Also on Reuters
Commentary: World Bank’s Zoellick responds to bloggers
Slideshow
Slideshow: Your photo submissions of G20 protests
Commentary: Bill Clinton reflects on Pedro's story
More International News
U.S. looks at Pakistani Taliban threat on Washington
Israel's new foreign minister dismisses Annapolis
N.Korea launch will violate U.N. resolutions: official
| Video
Obama, Medvedev to reset ties with arms pact
| Video
60 years on, NATO in crisis over Afghan war
| Video
More International News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Miss Universe says had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo
G20 protesters smash windows, clash with police | Video
U.S. private sector axes 742,000 jobs in March
Malicious virus quiet, but attack may be in works
U.S. reconciliation offer "lunatic"-Taliban spokesman
Potential GM bankruptcy plan includes company split
Obama sees G20 consensus, France unhappy | Video
U.S. plans to ease GM into bankruptcy: report
Mysterious virus quiet, but attack may be in works
NASA in Colbert conundrum over Space Station
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Illusionist floats in mid-air
Tension on the Korean Peninsula
G20 protesters descend on London
Loincloths hot among Japan woman
Cyclists begin G20 protest
An international test for Obama
G20 protesters smash bank windows
London prepares for G20
Obama at Buckingham Palace
World leaders focus on Afghanistan
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
Reuters Deals
The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators
Knowledge to Act
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Interactive TV |
Labs |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Thursday, 2 April 2009 U.S. looks at Pakistani Taliban threat on Washington
| International
|
N.Korea launch will violate U.N. resolutions: official
| International
|
Afghan, Pakistan leaders pledge cooperation in Turkey talks
| International
|
Mexico touts tourism, growth defies drug violence
| International
|
Sweden votes in favor of legalizing gay marriage
| International
|
Cuba accuses blogger Yoani Sanchez of provocation
| Technology
|
Verizon may cut number of mobile systems
| Technology
|
Computer exercise helps stroke victims see again
| Technology
|
Apple's iPhone emerges as gaming platform
| Technology
|
Steve Martin to make Grand Ole Opry debut
| Entertainment
|
Fed takes mortgage act to movie theaters
| Entertainment
|
Now 30, Hannah Montana lead U.S. album chart
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actor unions reach deal with advertisers
| Entertainment
|
North Korea starts fuelling rocket, makes new threat
| International
|
Chavez in Iran: Obama still leads 'empire'
U.S. invests to keep arms smugglers out of Mexico
| International
|
Israel's new foreign minister dismisses Annapolis
U.S. looks at Pakistani Taliban threat on Washington
| International
|
Sudan's Bashir returns after defiant Saudi trip
Israel's new foreign minister dismisses Annapolis
| International
|
US lawmakers move again to curb bonuses
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
China to spend $1.2 billion on quake-zone schools
| International
|
Guantanamo 'soooo beautiful!' Miss Universe says
Incoming Malaysia PM faces uphill reform drive
| International
|
UN's Gaza head tells employees to avoid politics
Michael Moore hails GM chief's 'stunning' ouster
All 16 feared dead in British helicopter crash
| International
|
France, Germany say new financial rules 'non-negotiable'
Mexican Catholic sex abuse probe could uncover more victims
| International
|
G20 leaders wrangle as riot hits London
China to honor revolutionary martyrs online
| International
|
Senate makes it harder to pass global warming bill
Netflix delivers 2 billionth movie
| Technology
|
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,264
Senators agree on patent changes
| Technology
|
Job cuts, new CEO at online video titan Veoh
Vote on new US envoy to Iraq delayed
Wikipedia founder abandons Google search challenge
Senators agree on patent changes
Iran denies US reports of warm talks at conference
US senators call for cybersecurity czar
US replaces Blackwater for some Iraq security
Ex-BetonSports CEO pleads guilty to racketeering
Obama, Medvedev seek huge nuclear weapons cuts
16 feared dead in North Sea helicopter crash
Malicious virus quiet, but attack may be in works
Albania, Croatia join NATO
Verizon may cut number of mobile systems
Czech cabinet to change during EU presidency: PM
Obama, Hu vow to battle protectionism
Blackberry opens online app store
Ukraine sets early election, angering president
RIM opens online software store for BlackBerry
Ten feared dead in North Sea helicopter crash: reports
Apple's iPhone emerges as gaming platform
Protester in immolation bids at Euro rights court
Another Idol elimination narrows field to eight
| Entertainment
|
Lady GaGa claims chart milestone with second No. 1
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lanka govt says key rebel supply route closed
Metallica to be two-bassist band at Hall of Fame
| Entertainment
|
64 infected by hepatitis at hospital in China
X-Men pic Wolverine leaks online
| Entertainment
|
NKorea vows to attack Japan if rocket intercepted
Sotheby's cautious on Asia sales in fragile market
| Entertainment
|
France, China presidents hold clear-the-air meeting
Jeanne Tripplehorn up for Morning
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lanka says rebels encircled in fierce fighting
Keith Urban, Prince vie for chart supremacy
| Entertainment
|
India offers to export electricity to Nepal
World's oldest TV drama Guiding Light to end
| Entertainment
|
Philippines tries to contact Red Cross captors
Timeline of key events for outgoing Malaysia PM
Malaysian prime minister hands resignation to king
X-Men pic "Wolverine" leaks online
Taiwan dollar at over 2-month high on stock rises
NKorea will retaliate if rocket intercepted
Seoul shares end at 5-½ mth high on techs, banks
Hollywood actor unions reach deal with advertisers
S.Korean won posts biggest daily gain in 4 months
Obama, Hu stress crisis response in first meeting
Hong Kong regulators seek to block $2B PCCW deal
SK Energy to keep crude runs steady in Apr-sources
Korea Hot Stocks
X-Men pic "Wolverine" leaks online
Costa Rica insists China oil contract is valid
`Runway' lawsuit settled; show moving to Lifetime
Seoul shares extend gains to 3 pct
Vatican bell foundry fears uncertain future
S.Korea won extends gains to 3 pct as stocks rally
Jeanne Tripplehorn up for "Morning"
Marsalis, Gyllenhaal read poetry at NYC benefit
'American Idol' puts the cork on another crooner
Stolen 'X-Men' flick leaps onto Internet
Media panel says constant Obama coverage warranted
Keith Urban, Prince vie for chart supremacy
Lady GaGa claims chart milestone with second No. 1
Palestinian kills Israeli in West Bank settlement
Fears for Mideast peace process
US air strike kills 20 militants in Afghanistan
Dozens detained in Turkish bourse probe
New US jobless claims hit 669,000 in week
Israeli 13-year-old killed in West Bank ax attack
ECB cuts rates to all-time low
Axe-wielding Palestinian kills Israeli teen
Ex-AIG chief says problems 'not his fault'
Obama weighing more troops for Afghan war
NKorea vows to attack Japan if rocket intercepted
U.S. envoy wants friendship, cooperation from Sudan
| International
|
Russia says can work with U.S. on Afghan cargo
| International
|
Dow Chemical sells Morton salt firm for 1.6 bln
Israel FM rules out any withdrawal from Golan
India to begin fighter jet trials soon
| International
|
U.N. rights chief hopes U.S., Canada attend racism meet
| International
|
Law for Afghan Shi'ites stirs anger and concern
| International
|
Facebook, YouTube at work make better employees: study
| Technology
|
World's best job? Add sex, scandal for Web marketing dream
World's best job? Add sex, scandal for Web marketing dream
| Technology
|
Videogamers take on new battle
China orders tightened Internet controls
China honors revolutionary martyrs online
| Technology
|
Coalition: 20 insurgents killed in Afghanistan
Malaysian PM resigns, making way for deputy
Malawi government backs Madonna adoption attempt
| Entertainment
|
Red Cross workers in Philippines 'alive': Italy
World seeks united response to NKorea rhetoric
NBA reality show another step for growth in China
| Entertainment
|
Vatican: China mounting obstacles to dialogue
Japan's north prepares for North Korea rocket
S.Korea, US vow response to N.Korea missile launch
Three men get life for murdering Lucky Dube
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood Wax Museum set to auction 200 wax celebs
Man dies after detonating bomb in China: police
Kyrgyz police investigate opposition politician
Pakistan's forex reserves fall to $10.09 bln
China orders tighter controls on online videos
Pakistan should meet budget, c/a targets
India's Tata Motors sees 13% dive in March sales
World stocks surge as G20 seeks historic deal
Sands aims to resume Macau construction this year
Clay Aiken called a 'spectacular father'
Convergys opens 3 new call centers in Philippines
MSNBC gives Ed Schultz new talk show
Obama wants progress on S.Korea free trade-official
Malawi government backs Madonna adoption attempt
China shares extend rally on Wall Street gains
Three men get life for murdering Lucky Dube
G20 summit seeks end to rift over economic crisis
Hollywood Wax Museum set to auction 200 wax celebs
Toyota roots for GM, hopes for US sales recovery
NBA reality show another step for growth in China
Netflix delivers 2 billionth movie
Sotheby's cautious on Asia sales in fragile market
Facebook, YouTube at work make better employees: study
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights