World Notes DENMARK

Denmark is about to become the first country in the world to grant homosexuals the legal status of married couples. A bill introduced in parliament last week provides that gay couples registering as "partners" will automatically gain the same rights to inheritance and tax deductions, the same access to social services and the same obligation to pay alimony as a husband and wife.

The measure, supported by a majority of members in the 179-seat Folketing, is expected to become law July 1. Hoping to mute criticism, the bill's sponsors included a provision precluding gays from adopting children.