NEWS Most European countries recognise same-sex marriages July 31, 2003 PARIS - The following is a list of European countries that have legalised same-sex unions: FRANCE: The French government introduced the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS) in October 1999, which allows homosexual couples to register their partnerships with the civil authorities. They benefit from the same fiscal and social rights as heterosexual partners, such as inheritance and divorce rights, housing and social security. GERMANY: Same-sex unions in Germany have been officially recognised since August 2001. This allows gay partners to take each other's family names, and benefit from the same rights as heterosexual couples. These include inheritance and property rights, and rights to social security, medical and unemployment benefits. SWITZERLAND: Only two cantons, Zurich and Geneva, have adopted the PACS. The federal authorities are in talks with other cantons about introducing a law to legalise same-sex partnerships. The only canton that has refused to consider such a law is Valais, which has a conservative Catholic majority population. BRITAIN: After years of controversy, same-sex couples in Britain enjoy the same civil rights as their heterosexual counterparts since June this year. Homosexuals have been allowed to adopt children since 1996. DENMARK: In 1989 Denmark became the first Scandinavian country to allow same-sex couples to register their unions. NORWAY: Norway legalised same-sex unions in 1993. SWEDEN: Same-sex unions have been legal since 1994. Gay couples have been allowed to adopt children since 2002. FINLAND: Same-sex unions have been legal since 2002. NETHERLANDS: The Dutch Senate passed a law in December 2000 recognising homosexual unions. Same sex couples are allowed to adopt children as long as the child accepts Dutch nationality. BELGIUM: Homosexual couples have had the same rights since June this year, but adoption by same-sex couples is not recognised. SPAIN: Spanish parliament has periodically tried to legalise same-sex unions, but no laws have been passed yet. However, autonomous regions such as the Basque, Navarre, Andalusia and Catolonia have been free to pass their own laws recognising same-sex unions. Catalonia, for instance, recognises same-sex unions, but not adoption. CROATIA: The Croatian parliament accorded same-sex couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts in mid-July this year. -Sapa-AFP Talk about it in our forums Related stories Bush: marriage is union between man and woman Vatican to call on Catholic politicians to oppose gay marriages Oldest wedding magazine publishes first article on gay weddings US poll: only 53% of Americans are against gay marriages Gay couple unites in Argentina, a first for Latin America Canadian govt seeks Supreme Court advice on gay marriages New Zealand to legalise gay marriages, report Bush: Constitutional ban on gay marriage not necessary - yet UK unveils "gay marriages" plan