Spain Celebrates First Gay Marriage

MADRID -- Emilio Menendez and Carlos Baturin German became the first gay couple to tie the knot since a new law allowing same-sex marriages was introduced in Spain. Menendez and German have been together for 30 years. In a comment to the media, Mr German said: "Today we are even more a family."

Even though many European countries allow gay unions of different kinds, same-sex marriages have so far only been allowed in the Netherlands and Belgium. The new law also allows gay couples to adopt children.

Menendez and German got married in the town of Tres Cantos, and the ceremony was attended by family and friends, plus a large number of journalists. Pedro Zerolo, the governing Socialist Party's top official for social issues, also attended.

"The happiest day of our lives was when we fell in love with each other. We have been together for 30 years, there have been many wonderful days, today is yet another wonderful day," said Mr Menendez.

Spain's lower house of parliament overruled a rejection of the law by the Senate and voted in favour of the bill on 30 June. Recent polls have showed that most Spaniards back the new law.