Netherlands: Dutch fudge on gay marriages
01 November 1996
The Dutch government is set to announce proposals for same-sex relationships to be registered in their local communities in legally binding agreements. The only difference between these agreements and heterosexual marriage is that the same sex agreement would not entitle a couple to be allowed to be considered for adoption. According to a Justice Ministry spokesman "there is not very much difference" between the government's proposals and a heterosexual marriage. The proposed registration will guarantee inheritance, social security and pension rights. Although these arrangements go much further than any other EU country they still fall short of the full equality that gay-rights groups are demanding. They committed themselves to continue campaigning until they were granted adoption rights.
Independent 6.12.96.