Denmark next for gay marriage?

In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex partnerships. Now the new Danish government is reportedly considering introducing gay marriage in the New Year. The then-opposition promised to introduce gay marriage at the Copenhagen Pride Parade two months ago.

According to the Copenhagen Post, around 69 percent of the Danish public support gay marriage.

To be legally binding, couples currently need to register at City Hall. But the new law will allow marriages to be solemnized at churches.

“Even before the election Per Stig Møller (church minister in the previous Conservative government) negotiated with the church an agreement paving the way for the legal equality of gay partnerships also in the church context,” Bishop Karsten Nissen of Viborg told fyens.dk.

Nissen had participated in lengthy committee work on the issue:

“So this has been going in one form or another. So you could say that in the end, it is a matter of words whether there should be a marriage or a lifelong partnership.”

Nissen emphasizes that a large majority in the Danish church do not want to discriminate against homosexuals.

“So it’s important that we do not talk ourselves away from each other when there is turmoil in the church over here, for it will do, as some priests of course are against it,” he says.

The UK is currently considering gay marriage. Prime Minister David Cameron said earlier this month that he supported it “because I am a Conservative.”

There is anxiety in Spain that the expected election there of a conservative government next month will lead to a reversal on gay marriage.

Will the UK Deny Aid to Anti-LGBT Countries?

Will Spain Go Backwards on Gay Marriage?

Picture credit darcyandkat

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Christopher C.

1:05AM PDT on Oct 28, 2011

Wish the LGBT's of Denmark all the best!!

October 28
send a green star

Wayne M.

1:10PM PDT on Oct 27, 2011

This will be a wonderful step forward for Denmark. While no religious group should be forced to perform sacramental marriages for same-sex couples, neither should those who do support marriage equality be denied their religious freedom and rights to act in accord with their teachings and beliefs. Furthermore, while religious freedom must be defended and protected, no religion should be given the right to impose its values on the whole of society including the majority of people who may be believers, but do not practice any particular faith. Religious rights must be granted equal rights to other rights, not supercede other rights.