Six of the seven parties in Swedish parliament backed a proposal to introduce a gender-neutral marriage law and the proposal passed with a 261-22 vote. The new legislation comes into effect as of May 1st, replacing the current legislation established in 1995 approving registered partnership. The only party to oppose the ruling were the Christian Democrats, stating that the party wanted to maintain "a several hundred-year-old concept" of marriage.

In a unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court held that the Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution. The decision strikes the language from Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman. It further directs that the remaining statutory language be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage. The ruling resolves an action brought by six same-sex couples who were refused marriage licenses by the Polk County Recorder. Except for the statutory restriction that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the twelve plaintiffs met the legal requirements to marry in Iowa.

It has been reported that same-sex couples will be able to begin marrying in Iowa in 21 days.

After nearly four hours of debate from supporters and opponents of the measure, the Vermont House approved a gay marriage bill by a vote of 95-52 Thursday giving  same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont. The bill will be brought up again Friday for final approval, then return to the Senate, where changes to language must be approved. Should the Senate OK those changes, the bill will head to Governor Jim Douglas' desk and a promised veto.  That veto — which Douglas declared last week he would deliver — would not kill the legislation. Instead members of the House and Senate will try to override the veto by securing a two-thirds majority of support in each chamber. The Senate would need 20 votes; the House would need 100 with all members in attendance.

Last update: 04-05-2009 07:17