Norway passes law approving gay marriage

[dbackjon]

OSLO, Norway - Gay couples in Norway will be granted the same rights as heterosexuals to marry, adopt and undergo artificial insemination under a new equality law passed Tuesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080617/ap_on_re_eu/norway_gay_marriage

Norway's upper house of parliament voted 23-17 in favor of the gender-neutral marriage law on the same day that gay couples were marrying in California.

The law replaces 1993 legislation that gave gays the right to enter civil unions similar to marriage but did not allow church weddings or adoption. It takes effect Jan. 1.

"We are so overjoyed. We have worked for this for so long," said Jon Reidar Oeyan, leader of the Norwegian National Association of Lesbian and Gay Liberation.

"Now we are going to celebrate," he said. "I didn't dare until I heard the chairman of the upper house bang the hammer."

A parliamentary majority had announced agreement on the legislation last month, and the lower house voted 84-41 in favor last week.

[aquart]

1. And they have excellent health care.

[terrya]

2. And just like that...equality.

It's seems...so easy, doesn't it?

My best wishes and congratulations to our gay brothers and sisters in Norway. What a perfect way to celebrate Pride Month. :-)