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Denmark, the country which pioneered gay rights by legalizing civil unions in 1989, has now passed a law allowing gay couples to marry in any church they choose.
The Danish parliament voted through the new law with a large majority, which means churches in the country will have to allow same-sex marriages, regardless of their stance on the matter. Individual priests can refuse to carry out a ceremony, but the church must then find a replacement to conduct the marriage.
Denmark’s church minister, Manu Sareen, called the vote “historic”.
“I think it’s very important to give all members of the church the possibility to get married. Today, it’s only heterosexual couples,” reported the Telegraph.
The first gay marriages could take place as soon as June 15.
