A Milestone for Gay Rights

In 1996, same sex couples were granted the right to live together legally under the law, yet did not share equal rights with other couples. A new law has been passed in the Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, which means that they are now granted the same equal rights as heterosexual couples share. With this law taking effect they will be granted the right to adopt children and have the same right as others in artificial reproduction. Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir, representative for the Gay Rights Organization 78 in Iceland, says that this eliminates almost all discrimination in the system, and now only two milestones remain. Firstly, that gays be allowed to register as couples in religious organizations, and, secondly that the word marriage be used instead of registration. To celebrate this milestone, the 78 Organization will celebrate today at the Reykjavík Art Museum from 5pm - 7pm. -mld