Portugal’s parliament overrides presidential veto of abortion, adoption bills

February 16, 2016

Overriding vetoes by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva, Portuguese lawmakers passed bills that legalized adoption by same-sex couples, ended copayments for abortions, and ended mandatory pre-abortion counseling.

Before the vote, which took place on Ash Wednesday, Cardinal-Patriarch Manuel Clemente of Lisbon said that “the right to life begins when life begins” and described adoption by homosexual couples as a “false step” that is “contrary to what has always been the human evidence.”

 

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Further information:

• Portugal parliament overturns veto on adoption by gay couples (Reuters)
• Cardeal-patriarca espera mudanças a leis do aborto e da adoção por pessoas do mesmo sexo (Agencia Ecclesia)