[iamkeri1]

I have long thought that this is the best way of handling marriage in all countries/principalities/states/municipalities, whatever. Marriage is a legal contract between consenting adults. If you want religious sanctions along with the legality, fine, but the marriage authority should come from the state, not any church (whether you are catholic or not, lol)
Smooches,
Keri

Actually, in the best of worlds the authority should come from the individuals engaging in the contract as it does with most other contracts. All legal rights should flow from the signing of this contract with perhaps a small governmental registration fee if the individuals wish to "publish" the contract

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

The lower house passed a motion asking the Government to adopt Civil Union requirements for same-sex unions.

Italy ( also several other countries), requires a civil marriage before any religious services (unless you are catholic) may be undertaken. The Civil Union grants rights of inheritance, taxes, health Care decisions, etc...and does NOT require a religious ceremony to follow.

Further news to follow.....