Prime Minister Socrates

Portugal's Socialist government has legalised same-sex marriages. The bill had the support of all the left-of-centre parties but was opposed by conservatives who called for a referendum.

Prime Minister Jose Socrates said the bill was part of his plans to modernise the country which lifted the ban on abortion only two years ago.

Although the new law has to go before the country's conservative president Anibal Cavaco Silva, his veto can be blocked by the Portuguese parliament.