Sweden allows gay union ceremonies at embassies

The Swedish government announced Wednesday that it will allow same-sex union ceremonies to be performed at its embassies in Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon. Only Swedish citizens will be able to register for the partnerships, which are legally recognized in the Scandinavian country of 8.9 million. "It is natural for Sweden to be able to offer registration of partnership at embassies where the host country does not oppose it," foreign minister Anna Lindh said. "France, Spain, and Portugal have informed us that they have no objection to Sweden's request for registration of partnership." Sweden and other Nordic countries were among the first to recognize same-sex unions. In February the country made it legal for gay couples to adopt children.