Same-sex marriages begin in Portugal

Same-sex marriages began taking place in Portugal June 7 when the law legalizing them took effect.

The first couple to marry were Helena Pires Paix�o and Teresa Paix�o Pires, who had lost a Constitutional Court case seeking the right to marry just a year ago. They tied the knot at a Lisbon registry office accompanied by family, friends and lots of journalists. The wedding was broadcast live on national TV.

"There were no signs of hostility whatsoever and Portugal did not sink into the ocean after the event," said correspondent Jo�o Paulo from PortugalGay.pt.

Portugal is the eighth country to permit same-sex marriage nationwide, following Belgium, Canada, the …