Gay men and women in Denmark will soon be allowed to marry in
the state Evangelical Lutheran Church, according to reports.
According to AFP, Denmark's gender equality and ecclesiastical
affairs ministry confirmed the news earlier this week.
"The Danish government has decided that same-sex couples are to
be able to marry in church on equal terms with heterosexual
couples, and that they will be able to call themselves spouses,"
they said in a statement.
The first official gay marriage in a church there is expected
next summer.
It comes 22 years after Denmark became the first country in the
world to allow gay couples to enter into civil partnerships.
And, just like David Cameron's plans for religious premises in
the UK to host same-sex ceremonies, the move will be optional.
"All members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark must
have the opportunity to be married in church regardless of their
sexual orientation," the ministry statement said.
A vote in parliament and the implementation of the law is
expected to take up to six months.
