The same-sex couples will be able to formalise their relationships from 1 January 2010

The final vote was 64 against the bill, and 110 in favour, reports the Associated Press.
“We are living in the 21st century and I’m very glad this step is being taken today,” said Justice Minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner on Friday.
While the new bill will give gay couples access to legal rights like a pension if one partner dies, it also formally bans the adoption of children or artificial insemination for same-sex couples.
And unlike straight couples, gay couples will not be able to record their unions at the civil registry office, but with another authority instead.

Photo by Galina Toktalieva

Action in defense of same-gender partnership
It was rather hot morning, and I felt the gravity of my photo bag, walking by zigzags and asking every pedestrian where civil registry office is. I anticipated picturesque manifestation at the place, but found only small group there. As usual, I photographed persons whose faces I found to be interesting. This time it was woman in red jacket
10.04.08 Aktion “Wir wollen da rein!” zur gleichgeschlechtlichen Partnerschaft
Die Debatte um gleichgeschlechtliche Partnerschaften wird immer absurder: In der ÖVP wird darum gestritten, ob das Standesamt der richtige Ort für die Eintragung von Partnerschaften ist, und die SPÖ sieht zu und schafft es nicht, ihre eigenen Wahlversprechen auch nur ansatzweise umzusetzen. (more…)