Good news people! First off, this is not an April Fool's joke, so relax. Also apologies for the short diary. Just wanted to let you know...that Sweden has legalized same-sex marriage! From Reuters:
Sweden will allow homosexuals to legally marry from May this year after parliament on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move.
The change in the law, which currently allows gay couples to register unions but not formal marriage, comes into force on May 1 this year under the timetable set out in the bill.
Scandinavian countries, known for their liberal attitudes toward gays and lesbians, were among the first countries in Europe to grant same-sex partners the same rights as married couples.
From FOX, which I'm sure is pissed:
Parliament on Wednesday adopted a new law that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals.
The Parliament's Web site says the new law will take effect on May 1.
The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain also allow gay marriages.
Swedish news agency TT says the 349-seat legislature passed the measure in 261-22 vote, with 66 lawmakers abstaining or absent.
So Sweden is the fifth nation in Europe, and the seventh in the world, to establish equal marriage rights. The count is now...Canada, South Africa, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands....(and maybe Nepal)...