Portugal

Bills introduced by opposition parties to legalise same-sex marriage were rejected by the Portuguese Parliament. During the vote, gay rights groups staged “weddings”, attracting media attention. The ruling Socialist party said there must be a national debate on the matter before a law can be passed.

France

Civil unions under the pacte civil de solidarité are recognised. France also recognises same-sex marriages conducted abroad legally, after a couple who married in Netherlands sought official recognition of their marriage in France earlier this year. In the 2007 presidential elections, Socialist Party candidate Segolene Royal supported introduction of same-sex marriage legislation, while Conservative Nicholas Sarkozy, who won the election, opposed it.

Norway and South Africa allow same-sex marriages.

Several countries, such as Denmark, Germany and New Zealand, recognise same-sex civil unions and registered partnerships.