Uruguayan lawmakers debate gay marriage legalization April 2, 2013 - 21:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Uruguayan lawmakers are debating a proposal to legalize gay marriage, The Associated Press reports. The bill was approved by the lower house of Congress in December, and the Senate is debating it Tuesday, April 2. The country's ruling coalition has enough votes for its passage. The proposal would make Uruguay the second nation in Latin America and the 12th in the world to legalize gay marriage. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in 2010. The bill also lets couples, gay or straight, decide whose surname goes first when they name their children. President Jose Mujica said earlier this year he planned to sign the bill into law. If it is approved by the Senate, the bill must be sent back to the lower house after lawmakers made changes to it. Uruguay became the first Latin American country to legalize abortion last year.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
