Associated Press


BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Belgium became the second nation in the world to officially recognize homosexual marriages Thursday, when parliament approved the legislation with a large majority.

The Netherlands approved same-sex marriages two years ago, but unlike its northern neighbor, Belgium did not go as far to allow such couples to adopt children.


The principle of approving homosexual marriages was already a breakthrough in itself.

"It makes it clear that any enduring and loving relationship is appreciated in the same way in our modern society," said Kristien Grauwels, a Green Party legislator.

In the House of Representatives, the bill prevailed in a 91-22 vote with nine abstentions, with the opposition Christian Democrat CdH and the extreme right Vlaams Blok voting against. The Senate already approved the bill.

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