Posted: April 15, 2004 5:20 p.m. ET
(Madrid) Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told Parliament Thursday that he intends to move forward with plans to legalize gay marriage and grant equal rights to gay couples.
"The moment has finally arrived to end once and for all the intolerable discrimination which many Spaniards suffer because of their sexual preferences," Zapatero said during a debate which will end with a vote to confirm him in office.
"Homosexuals and transsexuals deserve the same public consideration as heterosexuals," he said. "As a result we will modify the Civil Code to recognize their equal right to marriage with the resulting effects over inheritance, labor rights and social security protection."
The move follows a pledge Zapatero's Socialist party made to woo gay voters in the last election. Last month, immediately following the election, he repeated the pledge in a television interview. (story) But, this is the first time, he has announced his intentions in Parliament.
The remarks immediately drew the ire of the Catholic Church. The Vatican condemns same-sex unions and adoption by gay couples.
Nine other European Union countries already have some provision for recognizing those in committed same-sex relationships. Last month, Britain said it would give legal recognition to gay partnerships. (story) Only Holland and Belgium allow same-sex couples to marry in Europe.
Three Canadian provinces, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia also permit gays to marry. Next month, same-sex marriage will be legal in Massachusetts.
Homosexuality was banned during Franco's 1939-1975 dictatorship. Spain's liberal 1978 constitution outlawed sexual discrimination and homosexuality was decriminalized shortly afterwards.
Zapatero did not say when legislation on gay marriage would be presented in Parliament.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks