Same-Sex "Marriages" Begin in Netherlands

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, APR. 1, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Four homosexual couples exchanged rings and vows at Amsterdam´s City Hall just after midnight, when the law legalizing same-sex “marriages” took effect.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share this Entry

The couples are the first of hundreds waiting to enjoy wedded status under the world´s first laws allowing same-sex marriages. The Dutch law was enacted after more than 15 years of campaigning to award homosexual couples equal rights under civil law.

Minutes after the law took effect, Amsterdam´s mayor officiated at the ceremonies of three male couples and a lesbian couple.

Homosexual couples under the new laws are able to apply for court approval to adopt Dutch children. Only Dutch nationals or resident foreigners living with a Dutch partner are eligible for the same-sex marriages.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share this Entry

ZENIT Staff

Support ZENIT

If you liked this article, support ZENIT now with a donation