Slovenian
parliament to vote on bill recognizing gay partnerships

Slovenian lawmakers were scheduled to vote Wednesday on a bill recognizing gay partnerships, which would make conservative, predominantly Roman Catholic Slovenia one of the few countries in Europe to legalize such unions. The government-proposed bill, which allows same-sex couples to register their relationship although not officially marry, was sharply criticized by the opposition as well as gay rights groups, who insist it fell short of granting enough rights to gays. And some rightist deputies charged that the bill went too far by attempting to give equal rights to homosexual and heterosexual couples. Still, the bill is expected to be adopted, because the governing coalition dominates the 90-seat chamber. Some opposition deputies announced they would support it as well. If adopted, the law would entitle same-sex partners to inherit each other's property and have the same rights as a family member if their partner is hospitalized. Gay rights groups' demands that couples be allowed to adopt a child or have access to artificial insemination were firmly rejected by the government. The gay rights legislation is contentious in a country where about 80% of its 2 million people are Roman Catholics and where conservative, center-right parties won elections in October. When presented in parliament earlier this week, it triggered furious debate among the deputies. Slovenia, a former Yugoslav country, joined the European Union last year. In Europe, only the Netherlands and Belgium allow same-sex marriages. Spain is also expected to legalize same-sex marriages despite fierce opposition by the Catholic Church. (AP)