Czech gays win rights

The Czech Republic’s gay men and lesbians have edged closer to legal equality after the country’s parliament passed a landmark partnership law on Thursday.If endorsed by Czech president Vaclav Klaus, the law will enable same-sex couples to register their relationship, giving them expanded inheritance and health care rights, Associated Press reported.But gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples will not be permitted.Czech activists said the legislation was a great encouragement and were hopeful it would gain presidential approval.