Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Portugal to Sign Gay Marrialge Bill

Portugal’s top court gives gay marriage green light

There is something to celebrate for gay couples in Portugal.

Having won parliament’s backing for same-sex marriage, the Constitutional Court has now given its green light to the measure.

The signature of Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva is now all that is needed to make the bill law. He sent it to the country’s top court last month, after expressing doubts over whether it was constitutional.

But the tribunal’s president Rui Moura Ramos explained why no problems were found with the proposal. While it does not fit the traditional concept of marriage, as outlined in the constitution, he said this concept is open and can evolve.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva has 20 days to either veto the legislation or sign it into law. If it is ratified, it would come into effect just ahead of a visit to the staunchly Roman Catholic country by Pope Benedict XVI.