Finland Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

The Finnish Parliament passed a bill to legalize marriage equality voting 105 to 92 in favor. Finnish partners have been able to enter into registered partnerships, but now have full freedom to marry– which Finland is the last Nordic country, and 12th European nation to begin offering.

Before the vote, Finland’s Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb read an open letter saying, “Finland should strive to become a society where discrimination does not exist, human rights are respected and two adults can marry regardless of their sexual orientation.”

There were thousands of protesters present for the decision announcement, and the crowd erupted with applause when same-sex marriage was legalized.