UNLIKELY VIETNAM CONSIDERS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_VIETNAM_SAME_SEX_MARRIAGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-07-29-05-23-10

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) -- Dinh Thi Hong Loan grasps her girlfriend's hand, and the two gaze into each other's love-struck eyes. Smiling, they talk about their upcoming wedding - how they'll exchange rings and toast the beginning of their lives together.

The lesbians' marriage ceremony in the Vietnamese capital won't be officially recognized, but that could soon change. Vietnam's Communist government is now considering whether to allow same-sex couples to marry or legally register and receive rights - positioning the country to be the first in Asia to do so.

"Our love for each other is real and nothing changes regardless of whether the law is passed or not," said Loan, 31. "But when it is passed, we will definitely go get registered. I can't wait!"

Even longtime gay-rights activists are stunned by the Justice Ministry's proposal to include same-sex couples in its overhaul of the country's marriage law. No one knows what form it will take or whether it will survive long enough to be debated before the National Assembly next year, but supporters say the fact that it's even being considered is a victory in a region where simply being gay can result in jail sentences or whippings with a rattan cane.

[joeybee12]

1. Amazing...knr

[jumptheshadow]

2. Very, very cool

My mother, over the years, has become a fervent supporter of my marriage. (Aside: My baby and I in our quiet but enduring commitment to each other seem to make many disparate people supporters of gay marriage.)

One pivotal event in Mom's evolution was her attendance with me at the Stonewall anniversary celebration many years ago that drew contingents from all over the world.

Marching behind the banners of their countries, LGBT'ers from nations near and far, some of them probably risking their lives, showed how ubiquitous our community is and how hungry we are for our full rights.

I could tell my mother was deeply impressed. She lives in a smaller city and grew up in a Catholic Republican family. In three hours, the collective and dramatically visible commitment of a world of LGBT activities left an indelible impression.

[mitchtv]

3. first in Asia, that's great

If , Nepal doesn't beat them to it!