Will Portugal Legalize Same-Sex Marriage?

categories: Gay Marriage, International Gay Rights, Marriage Equality, Religion and LGBT Rights

Published September 27, 2009 @ 07:25PM PT

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Portugal held some elections over the weekend, and Socialist leader Jose Socrates is set for another four years as Prime Minister. Why is that significant? Because Socrates vowed to legalize same-sex marriage if he was re-elected. If he's prepared to follow through on his campaign promises, then marriage equality advocates should start counting down the days until another country is added to the same-sex marriage train.

As the AP notes, Socrates' push for same-sex marriage will be a direct challenge to the Catholic Church. Portugal is predominantly Catholic, and the Church (read Vatican) has spoken very loudly against reproductive rights and LGBT rights. Two years ago, Portugal legalized abortion under his watch. And now they might legalize same-sex marriage.

But there's no reason to waffle on equal rights, no matter what the Catholic Church might say. Here's just hoping that if the country does legalize same-sex marriage, they do it before Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit the country in May 2010. It could do Benedict some good to see some happily married gay couples.

(Photo courtesy of Ricardo-Pereira's photostream on Flickr.)

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Comments (8)

It's good that the Prime Minister of Portugal has stated that he will sign a bill which would recognize same-sex marriage in that country. Same-sex marriage is a very important right, signifying equality along with heterosexual marriage and is why the Pope, the Catholic Church, and thet Vatican are wrong when it comes to LGBT rights. The Pope is already in the fringe when it comes to human rights, thus he shouldn't be acknowledged by tolerant people in Portugal.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 09/28/2009 @ 11:55AM PT
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No offence to Portuguese people, but I will be ashamed, as a British national, if Portugal grants gay people marriage equality before the United Kingdom.

The Portuguese shouldn't be ahead of us on this issue of civil rights.

Posted by Sam Brk on 09/28/2009 @ 05:30PM PT
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Nor should they be ahead of the united states...

Your not the only one that would feel ashamed...

Posted by Thomas McHugh on 09/28/2009 @ 11:23PM PT
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No offense to British nor to American people, but we, Portuguese people, are a tolerant and not-religiously brainwashed country.

I'm sorry to tell you, but we were also the first country to abolish slavery and one of the first to abolish the death penalty (1 century before the UK).

You should be ashamed of your ignorance. Just because Portugal is less developed economically that doesn't make us retards.

Posted by Romeu Monteiro on 11/14/2009 @ 08:25AM PT
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Romeu, it doesn't matter who was first all it matters that is being done. I will be the first say thank you to your people! I don't think you are a retarded country!

Posted by Mario Sabattini on 11/14/2009 @ 09:10PM PT
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Re these last two comments: I would you feel ashamed if your countries have yet to legalize same-sex marriages and Portugal does so before your countries do?!!? You should simply feel happy that the Portuguese will do it, regardless who does it first or second...

It is a win not only for LGBT people in Portugal but for LGBT everywhere!

Posted by Daniel Silva on 11/03/2009 @ 05:14AM PT
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I understand, partly, where the UK and US persons who commented are coming from and I too find it a pity that both your countries still seem to have a huge stick up their a$$ about legalizing marriage for everyone without distinction of persons.

However, the arrogance in the tone of your comments is just appaling! Whatever you may think of the greatness of your respective countries, it appears that reality is at odds with your perception!

How would you two receive these comments if the reverse was the case??!

I'm just happy that one more nation in the world has stopped this discrimination and that, due to all those who go before, in a not too distant future even those so called "greatest nations" will catch up and make it a reality for their citizens as well.

cheers

Jorge

Posted by Jorge Janeiro on 11/08/2009 @ 02:12PM PT
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You are right about that! It's like a Domino-Affect!

Posted by Mario Sabattini on 11/14/2009 @ 09:24PM PT
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.