Civil Partnerships Coming to Ireland?

The Roman Catholic nation of Ireland looks poised to pass a civil partnership bill this month, reports the Associated Press.

Legislators have begun discussion on the bill, which Justice Minister Dermot Ahern (pictured) says would grant gay couples the same rights as married heterosexual couples in regard to inheritance, medical care, state benefits, and alimony. According to the AP, the bill has strong support and looks assured of passage.