Portugal's parliament has approved a same-sex marriage bill, the AP reports:
"The Socialist government's bill won the support of all left-of-center parties Friday. Right-of-center parties opposed the change and argued it should be put to a national referendum.
The proposed law now goes to conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva who can ratify or veto it, but a veto can be overturned by Parliament.
Its approval would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow same-sex marriages.
Prime Minister Jose Socrates said the measure is part of his effort to modernize Portugal. Two years ago his government lifted Portugal's ban on abortion."
Unfortunately, the parliament also rejected a bill that would have allowed gay couples to adopt.