Czech Republic may register partnerships

SUMMARY: Czech gays and lesbians could become the first in a former communist country to be allowed to register their partnerships.

Czech gays and lesbians could become the first in a former communist country to be allowed to register their partnerships.

Prime Minister Milos Zeman's Cabinet is supporting a draft law granting homosexuals equal rights with the rest of the population.

The bill gives gay couples the same rights as heterosexuals in a number of areas, including health insurance and inheritance.

If the bill is passed, gay couples would be able to enter into a partnership at a local government office. Splitting up would mean a court-approved divorce.