By an overwhelming vote of 230-41, the parliament of South Africa has approved a bill that would give legal recognition to same-sex unions.

The bill provides for government recognition of any "voluntary union of two persons which is solemnized and registered by either a marriage or a civil union." No ceremony is required, apart from the legal registration of the union.

The proposal was strongly backed by the ruling African National Congress, whose leaders portrayed the measure as a civil-rights initiative, likening discrimination against gays and lesbians to the apartheid racial policies of the country's former regime. It will become law when signed by President Thabo Mbeki, who has already signaled his support.

And the U.S. is now behind Mexico and South Africa for civil rights for gay and lesbian couples.

Labels: marriage, South Africa

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 10:07 AM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.