>Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 17:03:59 EST >From: Bob Summersgill >Subject: Swedish Marriage Law Msg#:43761 *Gay News XChange* 12/28/93 19:46:00 From: BENGT ERICSSON To: ALL Subj: PROPOSITION FOR PARTNERSHIP LAW IN SWEDEN Stockholm, Sweden December 1993 Proposition for partnership law in Sweden ----------------------------------------- At a recent press conference the Swedish Committee on Partnership at last presented its Report after two and a half year study. The proposition for a partnership law for same-sex partners is now a fact. Barbro Westerholm, Liberal, was the cautious strategist who lead the work of the committee and whose casting vote decided the issue. She has had some tough criticism from the RFSL at times, but now, she is very happy. In her speech, Ms Westerholm said "We recognize that homosexual love is of equal value to heterosexual love." The proposition will now circulate for comments for about three months, which is the normal time in Sweden. In January the Left Party, the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party will present a bill in the Riksdag. A majority of the Riksdag is in favor of a partnership law. But the motion must first go to the Standing Committee on Laws (the Judiciary Committee). One of the Liberal Party's representative in that Committee opposes any partnership law. What does the proposition on partnership mean? ---------------------------------------------- * Partnership does not demand any special sexual orientation, sexual activity or common household, that is, you do not have to live with your partner. It is nevertheless intended mainly for homosexuals. * Partnership can only be entered into if one of the partners is a Swedish citizen with residence in Sweden or a foreign citizen resident in Sweden who has been a resident of Sweden for at least two years. * Partnership recognized in Sweden will automatically be recognized in Denmark and Norway, but not in any other countries. Partnership means: * mutual obligation of maintenance * right to inherit from partner * right to take partner's family name * right to the same pensions as heterosexuals * right to survivor protection * right to parental benefits * right to parental leave with pay * right to family benefits * right to employee group life insurance * the same legal disqualification from testimony as for heterosexual couples The following do not apply: * You cannot get married in church * You will not be able to adopt children either as partners or as an individual. * You will not be able to adopt a stepchild or relative. * You will not have access to insemination or artificial fertilization * You and your partner cannot be appointed guardians of a minor child. * You are excepted from rules that give special economic advantages to married women or widows. You have the following obligation: * Your partner's children will be considered as stepchildren in inheritance and survivor protection