Portugal poised for gay marriage

Portugal’s Parliament is expected to approved same-sex marriage on Friday, website dallasvoice.com is reporting.

If passed, it needs to pass another reading before becoming law. That is expected just in time for the Pope’s May visit to the country.

The country is traditionally one of Europe’s most conservative, but is currently ruled by a Socialist-led coalition. But in contrast to Spain, where same-sex marriage passed over the objection of the Catholic Church and other conservatives, the new law is expected to pass Portugal’s parliament without much debate.

Conservatives have said they favor civil unions with all the rights of marriage except adoption.

Portugal elected its first openly gay lawmaker in September.