Euphoria amongst gay groups in Majorca

Isabel Llinás, Director of the Institute for Women. “I have my doubts about adoption” “It seems perfect to me that all rights for all people are recognised, men and women, it should be like this. Perhaps the word ‘marriage' is not suitable. We should call it legal unions. I have my doubts where adoption is concerned, there is not sufficient knowledge and you cannot play around with children in these matters”.

Francesc Antich, Secretary General of the Balearic Socialist Party (PSIB). “An important development” “It is an important development in favour of equality and recognising the rights of the minority groups. Since the Zapatero (socialist) government came into power, one of the main promises was to recognise the rights of everyone. We have made a great step forward, comparable to the changes in the Divorce Law.” Francisco José Cubero, President of the Balearic Gay and Lesbian Association (Ben Amics). “This means the end of legal discrimination” “The government recognising the right of homosexuals to marry and adopt means the end of legal discrimination. The right for same sex couples to get married and adopt is a historic decision, for this reason I feel very happy. This decision has been long needed and will mean that all people have equal rights, although social discrimination is still rife”.

Juan Jiménez, Hairdresser. “It does not affect me very much, but it seems good” “For me this news about marriage does not affect me very much as I am not thinking about getting married. However, I think it is very good that this initiative has finally been carried out, so that finally people can marry who they like. I don't have much to say about the rejection of the Catholic Church: the church has decided to separate itself from society. If they decide to close themselves off, well then that is up to them. Less people will be part of the church and they will connect with fewer people”.

Pep Noguera, Actor from the Diabéticas Aceleradas Group. “A little late, but finally they have done it” “It has finally arrived, it has finally arrived! In 2005! A little late, I think, for them to recognise the equality of all people. I think that nowadays people should be allowed to marry who they want, with your girlfriend or with your boyfriend. We used to have a discriminatory law, an ‘apartheid' that now has been remedied. But I repeat, a little too late. I also think that people should be allowed to separate or get married more easily. The church worries me the most, with the new Pope saying that he does not accept homosexuals and condemning condoms.” Antoni Esteva. Spokesperson for Ben Amics. “Children will be better off living with a homosexual couple rather than a broken down heterosexual marriage” “This is a historic decision, as much for our cause as for society in general. The Spanish government is now a pioneer for this cause throughout the whole world. I am very happy that it was agreed the first time around. It is an important breakthrough, which will not only make homosexuals happy, but will also make all Spanish people happy as it means we are the first country to do it. Adoption is the next logical step. We believe that children will be better off living with a homosexual couple rather than a single parent or a broken down marriage.” Manuel Torres, Spokesperson for the Francisco de Victoria Justice Association. “Marriage between homosexuals is constitutional” “Marriage between homosexuals is constitutional, but a lot still needs to be researched into adoption.”