Finland Considers Gay Marriage

The government of Finland has begun debating a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage.

Considered one of the most conservative Nordic nations, there is already a relationship register in the country for same-sex couples, which has been in place since 2002. The new amendment would end the separation between heterosexual marriages and same-sex partnerships and allow all couples to share a surname and adopt children. The amendment would have no bearing on religious groups, and would only redefine civil marriages. The Finnish Parliament have now sent the initiative to the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, where its passage is uncertain. The draft amendment was signed by 76 of the 200 members of Parliament, with more lawmakers including Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen expected to vote for it, Reuters reports.

Norway and Sweden have already legalized gay marriage.