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In May
2010
Portugal became
the sixth country in Europe to legalise same sex
marriages. To outsiders
Portugal
could be thought of as conservative country. However
despite homosexuality
only becoming legal in 1982, the nation as a whole, are
quite
liberal in their views.
'This
law rights a wrong,' Jose Socrates, the
prime minister
said in a speech to politicians. 'It is very important
and symbolic step to an open and tolerant society.' The
law which is an amendment to the current marriage law
removes the reference of two people being of different
sexes.
Previously civil unions has been permitted between same
sex couples granting legal, tax and property rights,
however this latest amendment ensures the same rights as
heterosexual couples when marrying.
Lesbians
Teresa Pires and Helena Paixao became the first gay
couple in
Portugal to tie
the knot on 6 June 2010. The couple have been together
since 2003 and had campaigned tirelessly to see the
change in the law.
The
couple married at a registry office in
Lisbon and said
although it was a great victory, they were happy just to
be a family. |
