Homosexuals in Norway are now allowed to get married. The new Marriage Act, which the Storting passed in the middle of June, gives homosexuals greater rights in a number of areas.
24/06/2008 :: It was the parties making up the current coalition Government, together with the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, that ensured a majority when the Storting voted on the bill. The bill was passed by 84 votes for and 41 against.
The new Marriage Act provides that:
• two persons of the opposite sex or the same sex may enter into marriage;
• same-sex married couples may be considered as prospective adoptive parents, on the same basis as opposite-sex married couples; and
• lesbian married couples or registered partners will have the same rights to assisted fertilisation as opposite-sex married couples and registered partners.
In addition, the non-biological mother in a lesbian marriage will have automatic parental status on the birth of a child by assisted fertilisation, in the same way as opposite-sex couples. It is suggested that the term medmor or co-mother should be used to describe the mother who has not given birth.
Thousands of people gathered to celebrate the new Act on the roof of the new opera house in Oslo. Together with them Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt and her predecessor Karita Bekkemellem. Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug/Dagbladet/All Over Press
The church’s rights
Under the new Act, the present Act relating to registered partnership is repealed, and registered partners who so wish may have their partnership converted into marriage. The Norwegian church and other religious communities have the right, but not a duty, to marry homosexual and lesbian couples.
Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt is delighted with the new Marriage Act. She believes it will ensure that homosexuals have equal rights in society. Photo: Yann Anker
Of equal value
Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt commented: “This Act recognises that homosexual and heterosexual partnerships are of equal value and that they are based on the same values. This will make it easier for gays and lesbians to acknowledge their sexual orientation. There are many young people in different parts of Norway who will no longer be subject to shame and who will finally be able to feel that they are fully respected by society. This is important for the individuals concerned. It is also important for us all as a society. This is vital for a decent society.”
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs