Another win for equality.
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SYDNEY,
Australia — Australian lawmakers have approved legislation giving homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexuals but have ruled out legalizing same-sex marriages.
The Senate passed amendments late Monday to around 100 family, health and taxation laws that give homosexual couples access to the same services as opposite-sex couples living together in “de facto,” or common-law, relationships.
Among the major changes, the reforms allow homosexuals family benefits under the state-run health care program, and to leave their retirement benefits to their partners if they die. They also confer parental rights on gay and lesbian couples with children.
The legislation now goes to House of Representatives where it is expected to pass.
More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/wo...html?ref=world
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