A Look at Gay Marriage Around the World
By The Associated Press
June 30, 2005

The following is a look at gay marriage in nations where it is legal in all or part of the country or where such legislation is pending.

NETHERLANDS -- Legalized in 2001. Same-sex couples also have the right to adopt children, either within the Netherlands or from abroad.
BELGIUM -- Legalized in 2003. Gay couples cannot adopt children, although that is being discussed by lawmakers.
SPAIN -- Legalized on Thursday. Gay couples have all the rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples, including for adopting children.
CANADA -- The House of Commons passed legislation Tuesday that would legalize gay marriage by July 31 as long as the Senate also passes the bill, which it is expected to do.
UNITED STATES -- Massachusetts is the only U.S. state that allows gay marriage. Vermont and Connecticut have approved same-sex civil unions.


Methodist leaders vote to bless gay couples
The Methodist church yesterday became the first big Christian denomination in Britain to offer the prospect of blessings services for same-sex couples.
Although adamant that such services would not be regarded by the church as marriages, officials admitted that they could well be seen as such by the couples themselves and by the wider society.

Story here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,12592,1517862,00.html