Hungary Legalizes
Civil Partnerships

Hungary's parliament voted 185-154 (with nine abstentions) Monday to pass a law allowing same-sex couples to register their civil partnerships. Registered couples will have access to the same rights as married straight couples with respect to inheritance, taxes, and other financial matters, Reuters reported. They will not, however, be allowed to adopt children.

While none of the former Eastern bloc states allow same-sex marriage, the Czech Republic and Slovenia allow same-sex partnerships to be registered.

The law is slated to take effect in January 2009. (The Advocate)