GAY MARRIAGE LEGALISED
Spanish authorities have legalised gay marriage, amid huge controversy and protests in the country on the topic.
The Spanish parliament defied conservatives and the clergy, who opposed the move.
Anti-gay marriage campaigners blocked the streets of Madrid recently in a demonstration they said was for family rights.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Spain is "not the first country and I am sure we will not be the last" to adopt such a law.
The country, which is traditionally Roman Catholic, is the third country in the world to allow the same sex unions.
Canada approved gay weddings on Wednesday this week.
The 350-seat Congress of Deputies in Spain voted 187 in favor of approval and 147 against with four abstentions.
The rest of the lawmakers were not present for the historic vote on the bill, which was sponsored by the ruling Socialists.
The law was proposed by Mr Zapatero and his ruling Socialist party as part of an agenda for bold social reforms just a year after taking office.
It gives gay couples the same rights to inheritance and to adopt children as heterosexual married couples.
The first marriages of gay couples can begin after the law is published in Spain's official journal, expected as early as 15 days, gay rights activists said.
Spanish authorities have legalised gay marriage, amid huge controversy and protests in the country on the topic.
The Spanish parliament defied conservatives and the clergy, who opposed the move.
Anti-gay marriage campaigners blocked the streets of Madrid recently in a demonstration they said was for family rights.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Spain is "not the first country and I am sure we will not be the last" to adopt such a law.
The country, which is traditionally Roman Catholic, is the third country in the world to allow the same sex unions.
Canada approved gay weddings on Wednesday this week.
The 350-seat Congress of Deputies in Spain voted 187 in favor of approval and 147 against with four abstentions.
The rest of the lawmakers were not present for the historic vote on the bill, which was sponsored by the ruling Socialists.
The law was proposed by Mr Zapatero and his ruling Socialist party as part of an agenda for bold social reforms just a year after taking office.
It gives gay couples the same rights to inheritance and to adopt children as heterosexual married couples.
The first marriages of gay couples can begin after the law is published in Spain's official journal, expected as early as 15 days, gay rights activists said.
