On Thursday, Portugal's Constitutional Court approved the same-sex marriage bill that was passed in January. The only thing needed to make Portugal become Europe's sixth country to legalize same-sex marriage? The signature of conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva.
"[Silva] sent it to the country’s top court last month, after expressing doubts over whether it was constitutional. But the tribunal’s president Rui Moura Ramos explained why no problems were found with the proposal. While it does not fit the traditional concept of marriage, as outlined in the constitution, he said this concept is open and can evolve. Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva has 20 days to either veto the legislation or sign it into law. If it is ratified, it would come into effect just ahead of a visit to the staunchly Roman Catholic country by Pope Benedict XVI."
Only two of the 13 justices on the Constitutional Court dissented.
Even if Silva vetoes the law pushed by Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates, there are more than enough votes in parliament to override his opposition, reports IOL Diario.
Excellent news!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=881550383 | 10 April 2010 at 06:46