South Africa approves gay marriages bill
09/11/2006 - 14:06:04A key parliamentary committee today approved a bill that would make South Africa the first country on the continent to allow same sex marriages.
The Home Affairs portfolio committee agreed to the bill in the face of fierce opposition from religious groups and traditional leaders – as well as criticism from gay rights groups that the measures didn’t go far enough.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court last year ruled that the country’s marriage legislation was illegal because it discriminated against same sex couples.
It gave the government until December 1 to adopt new legislation. Patrick Chauke, chairman of the committee, described the months of tough negotiations and public consultations as difficult.
The Civil Unions bill will now go to the full parliament next Tuesday.
