My analysis of the particular qualities of the institution shows that it may well extend to cover a homosexual union.

Should the case of the homosexual union be treated differently?

The new law makes France the first traditionally Catholic nation to recognize homosexual unions.

But national Episcopal officials said that an individual bishop could bless homosexual unions despite church doctrine.

It was common in the church's early days for homosexual unions to be performed.

The judge said she believed that "homosexual union creates the same rights as a union between man and woman."

In other regions the issue is very controversial and rabbis can lose their jobs for performing homosexual unions.

Muslim nations had attacked the phrase as endorsing homosexual unions.

We do not propose a position on homosexual unions.

Religious officiation at homosexual unions, while not common, is becoming less rare.