Portugal Parliament Passes Gay Marriage Bill

Portugal's parliament voted Friday to pass a bill that would make the historically socially conservative country the sixth in Europe to permit same-sex marriage.

Conservative president Anibal Cavaco Silva is not expected to veto the bill, which won the support of all liberal parties. He is expected to ratify the bill in time for gay marriage ceremonies to begin in April, a month before a scheduled visit from Pope Benedict XVI.

The bill passed by a vote of 125 to 99.

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