He and Reis have lived together for the past six years, four of which have been in Brazil. Harrad succeeded in securing a tourist visa to return to Brazil, and has now announced that he will soon marry Reis's mother in order to stay in the country. The bill being considered by Parliament covers the registration of same- sex partnerships, including rights of inheritance, social security benefits and pensions, rights of dependents of civil servants and naturalization of foreigners living with Brazilian citizens. Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, and the issue of same-sex partnerships has already received the support of several trade union leaders. Laws protecting the rights of sexual minorities contribute to the advancement of the democratic state.
Legislation recognizing same-sex partnerships is already in place in several countries.
This is a crucial bill to help ensure full civil rights for excluded social minorities. Fernando Henrique Cardoso Exmo.