Brazil Senate passes civil union bill
BRASILIA (BDCi) – A measure that allows same-sex civil unions in Brazil has finally passed its first legislative step after lingering in Congress for 16 years.
The Senate’s human rights committee approved a measure Thursday (24) that says a civil union is between two people, without any specification of gender.
The bill does not approve gay marriage.
Brazil’s judiciary cleared the way for gay marriage last year, approving civil unions for same-sex couples, which state courts have allowed to become actual marriages.
The bill’s sponsor Sen. Marta Suplicy believes the penal code should match what the courts are already allowing.
Before going to a full vote, the bill must pass other Senate committees.
By: Diego Díaz Source: AP Photo: BBC 25 May 2012
8:00 a.m. P.D.T.