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The New York Times
World
Norway Proposes Gay
Marriage Measure
By AP from
nytimes.com on the Web, March 15, 2008
OSLO, Norway, Mar. 14 -- The
Norwegian government proposed a marriage law Friday that would give gay couples
the same rights as heterosexuals, including church weddings, adoption and
assisted pregnancies.
The new legislation would replace a 1993 law that granted gays the right to
enter civil unions similar to marriage but did not give them other benefits
enjoyed by married couples.
''This new marriage law is a step forward along the lines of voting rights for
all and equality laws,'' said Minister of Children and Equality Anniken
Huitfeldt.
The measure gives gays the right to a church wedding but does not require any
minister or religious organization to perform the ceremony. The proposal
also grants the right to assisted pregnancies to lesbians and allows gays to be
considered as adoptive parents.
''The new law does not weaken the institution of marriage, rather, it
strengthens it,'' Huitfeldt said. ''Marriage does not become less valuable
because more people can take part in it.'' (Emphasis
Added)
It was not clear whether parliament would approve the measure without changes.
Minister of Local Government Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa and Transport Minister Liv
Signe Navarsete said they were against the right to assisted pregnancies but
endorsed the rest of the bill. The opposition Christian Democratic party
said it opposed the measure.
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