Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 14:08:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: Maria Amuchastegui <mariita-AT-well.com>
Subject: Domestic partner benefits in France


Just got this on another mailing list I'm on.

Maria Amuchastegui
mariita-AT-well.com           http://www.well.com/user/mariita/

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Reuters, June 23, 1997
NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER ON COUPLES PLEDGE
   PARIS (Reuter) - France's new leftist government will deliver on a 
campaign promise to give homosexual couples the same legal rights as 
heterosexual couples, Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou said Monday. 
   ``This is a promise we have made, and we will keep it,'' Guigou told 
the French daily Le Monde. 
   ``Homosexuals raised the question, but they are not the only ones 
concerned,'' Guigou said. ``One cannot describe the union betweeen two 
people solely in terms of marriage.'' 
   During the campaign leading up to the June 1 parliamentary election 
which swept the left into power, the Socialists pledged to create a 
``contract of social union'' granting legal status to gay and lesbian 
couples. 
   The contract would give such couples a formal legal status ensuring 
them equal rights with heterosexuals in such matters as housing, 
inheritance and taxes. 
   French law does not now recognise gay or lesbian marriages although a 
handful of cities issue certificates of cohabitation to same-sex couples.

The certificates have no legal weight but entitle gay couples to certain 
rights such as discounts on the national rail system. 


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