Portugal to legalise gay marriage

Portugal's parliament is today expected to pass a law permitting gay marriage.

The socialist government's bill has the support of all Left-wing parties. It would make mostly Catholic Portugal the sixth European country to allow same-sex marriages.

The first gay marriage ceremonies could take place in April if parliament passes the Bill and it is not vetoed by president Anibal Cavaco Silva.

Prime minister Jose Socrates said the measure was part of his effort to modernise Portugal. Two years ago his government lifted a ban on abortion.