Same-sex marriage law well prepared

Portugal's cabinet will pass a bill legalising same-sex marriages today. The daily Diário de Notícias expects a major debate: "Since the government has sensed that this issue could spark a religious war it has prepared the bill with the utmost care. What is clear is: adoption will still not be possible because society is still not ready for this social 'progress' (according to the [ruling] socialists). This is a sign that the government doesn't want to change the world in a day. ... However you look at it, the topic is now a public one, and it will certainly be the subject of many debates, in parliament, on television, in the church, in the homes of all citizens. It is to be hoped that it will proceed intelligently, no matter what its result. And also that it will not overshadow other debates in which the country needs to engage."

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