OSLO, Norway (AP) — The Norwegian government proposed a marriage law last week that would give gay couples the same rights as heterosexuals, including church weddings, adoption and assisted pregnancies. The new legislation would replace a 1993 law that granted gays the right to enter civil unions similar to marriage but did not give them other benefits enjoyed by married couples. “This new marriage law is a step forward along the lines of voting rights for all and equality laws,” said Anniken Huitfeldt, minister of children and equality. The measure gives gays the right to a church wedding but does not require any minister or religious organization to perform the ceremony. The proposal also grants the right to assisted pregnancies to lesbians and allows gays to be considered as adoptive parents. It was not clear whether parliament would approve the measure without changes. Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa, minister of local government and transport minister Liv Signe Navarsete said they were against the right to assisted pregnancies but endorsed the rest of the bill. The opposition Christian Democratic Party said it opposed the measure.
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