Czech MPs approve same-sex marriage bill, timing of vote uncertain

The lower house of Parliament on Thursday approved a draft law in a first reading that would legalise same-sex marriages. At the same time, a counter bill that wants the Constitution to say marriage between a man and a woman is protected by law.

Most parties in parliament have not adopted an official position on same-sex marriages. Opponents seeking to dismiss the equal marriage bill fell six votes short. Only 93 MPs of the 200-member body were present for the debate on the two bills, which lasted four hours.

The bills will head to a committee debate before a final vote, which may not occur before the elections in October. The committees will have 80 days to discuss the amendments instead of the standard 60 days.