• Sweden edition

Swedish lesbians more likely to wed than gay men

Published: 21 Jul 09 08:20 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/20802/20090721/

More female than male same-sex couples have chosen to marry since Swedish homosexuals were granted the legal right to marry on May 1st, 2009.

Thirty-seven female couples have tied the knot since May, compared to 11 male couples, according to figures from Statistics Sweden (SCB).

In addition, the number of children of same-sex couples registered as under Sweden's domestic partnership law has increased tenfold over the last decade.

At the end of the 1990s, fewer than 70 children lived with parents who were registered domestic partners. In 2008, 749 children lived with same-sex couples who were registered partners.

A large majority of these children have two mothers, with 706 living with female same-sex couples, compared to 43 who have two fathers.

“If you want to be crass, you can say that it's easier for female same-sex couples to have children,” Ulrika Westerlund, vice chairman of the the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL), told Svenska Dagbladet newspaper.

“Since 2002, same-sex couples have been allowed to adopt, but there hasn't been a single case that has been approved where it wasn't the adoption of a close relative.”

TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Fark It! Digg This  Share everywhere
Send to a friend Printable version Twitter This

Your comments about this article:

The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.

09:02 July 21, 2009 by conboy
Orgy of lesbian wedding Shocka's reports Local!
10:57 July 21, 2009 by peropaco
Isnt it every little girl dream to get married and be swept away in to that illusionary life? Put two girls together and they dash like a wild horses to to say I do. Guys on the other hand only get married to please the other desperate person pointing the gun at their head and this could explain why gay men are not rushing to the altar.
11:53 July 21, 2009 by Eye_Witness
If same-sex marriage means living together forever and denying the natural role of opposite sex, then I am sorry to say, animals are far superior than us.
12:47 July 21, 2009 by Miss Kitten
^

If you honestly believe homosexual behavior is unnatural, then you'll probably find this article enlightening:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals
13:34 July 21, 2009 by peropaco
Eye_öWitness.

Times has changed a great heaps since you last checked. People are becoming humans, we now have interracial marriage, people who were consider minorities are now leading corporations and countries. So dont you reckon it is time we have an open mind regarding gay marriage? We should mind our own business and let people do whatever the hell the feel like doing so long if it doesnt affect your way of life.
14:24 July 21, 2009 by jeffi lost her first one
Frankly I cannot for the life of me see why gender/race/class etc makes a difference, as long as there are two consenting adults involved. And I cannot fathom why some holier-than-thou (and yes, I am a practising Christian) would take it upon themselves to decide that love, as it has been described in multiple Christian tomes, is a bad thing. Anti-Homophobic counselling that way, my darlings. Oh yes... I am firmly hetero too, just to stave off potential "takes one to know one" silliness.
15:27 July 21, 2009 by Greg in Canada
Canada legalized same sex marriage several years ago and the sky didn't fall down on us, but it is an interesting statistic that the divorce rate among gay couples is higher than heterosexual couples, the males especially. The divorce lawyers must be very happy $$$$.
15:35 July 21, 2009 by Kieruk
Who gets to pick the theme and decorations and colours and all that in a Lesbian wedding? In most straight weddings the girl has that power...
15:38 July 21, 2009 by Streja
I think any couple should decide themes etc together and if they can't then they should not get married at all.
15:43 July 21, 2009 by Kieruk
Streja, I am not saying that couples disagree, just that generally the guy doesn't really care that much about the cosmetics of the day, and is very happy to have it all decided for him.
16:15 July 21, 2009 by conboy
I get the feeling Streja on your wedding day the airports will be under surveillance, the Army will cancel all leave and a state of emergency will be declared.
16:48 July 21, 2009 by Inletwatcher
I smell something in the air. Its call Homophobia.
16:50 July 21, 2009 by Kieruk
Where do you smell that? As far as I can see only one post is even remotly homophobic.
17:02 July 21, 2009 by Inletwatcher
It just stinks so bad.

I need to remember my own thing I said about it takes more than one kind of lettuce to make a good salad. I will go tramp about in the woods for more of the golden glories I found earlier today. Or chew on my nic patch.
17:26 July 21, 2009 by Paulo +fab muscular than Jonnhy
So two months are reasonably enough to compile any substantial statistical data to have a reliable report on a human & social behavioural issue like that?
22:44 July 21, 2009 by I Love it when ...
cooool good for them

hope their happy and all, i kinda don't care cause its none of my business
00:31 July 22, 2009 by RichardG
Im sure there are those amongst us who felt the same as me after reading the entire thread title. When I saw the first couple of words "Swedish lesbians..." I nearly broke my mouse button as I clicked on it. What a let down I tell you, not even one single photo!
13:32 July 22, 2009 by Streja
Which ones do you like then, the butch ones? I don't think they're interested in men.

My wedding? I'm not getting married and why would the airports be closed?
13:37 July 22, 2009 by Renfeh Hguh
I'm sure if you google "Swedish lesbians" you'll be reaching for the tissues
16:56 July 22, 2009 by RichardG
Its at the very top of my favourites list
15:21 July 23, 2009 by Nemesis
It is obvious from reading the comments and the story that most of you have not even met a lesbian before. They are lesbian, they got married, so what.

I was at a lesbian marriage a while back. It was really good fun. The kids enoyed themselves. The music was better. Both families enjoyed themselves. Both are caring parents.

As long as someone is a consenting adult, who cares what sex they marry. Tell you what, take a lesbian for a coffee and a chat. You will find out they are human, just like everyone else.
15:27 July 23, 2009 by conboy
I have two friends who are a lesbian couple with a small child they make better parents then a lot of hetrosexual parents I know - I agree with the sentiment of your post!
15:34 July 23, 2009 by Kieruk
Sentiment of the Nemesis post is good...but not really sure anyone was suggesting in any way that gay couples are not human...

Maybe I just read peoples posts with less judgemental glasses on..
18:21 July 23, 2009 by Renfeh Hguh
Not in the DVD's I've seen
19:59 July 23, 2009 by BillyB
There are only two ways it can go, more female or more male, there is no magnificent reason why its more women, its just that one of them will obviously be more than the other.

Doesnt mean anything either way, its a pointless statistic (but then arent they all)
20:18 July 23, 2009 by Renfeh Hguh
82% of all statistics are pointless, including this statistic
20:30 July 23, 2009 by Mzungu
Huff,sums it up precisely!

(attached image not shown)
23:39 July 23, 2009 by Rebel
Now the last wall that has to come down is polygamy. If for no other reason than situations where a man could marry two bisexuals and everyone would be satisfied in all areas.
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
Swedish blogger snaps commuting 'macho men'

Swedish blogger snaps commuting 'macho men'

A Stockholm woman fed up with male passengers on public transport taking up the space of women sitting next to them, has started a blog snapping secret pics of straddle-legged commuters and posting them on the internet. READ (33 COMMENTS) »

Swedish town gives 'Negro Village' new name

Swedish town gives 'Negro Village' new name

A suburb of Mjällby, southern Sweden, known by locals as ‘Negro Village’ for forty years, will be changing its name after a storm of recent attention. READ (10 COMMENTS) »

German 'tourist' living in Gothenburg airport

A 27-year-old German man has been living at the Gothenburg Landvetter airport for two months having no wish to return to Germany and nowhere to go in Sweden. READ (12 COMMENTS) »

Dramatic rise in dementia numbers in Sweden

Dramatic rise in dementia numbers in Sweden

Every second Swede is at risk of developing dementia, according to a new study from Umeå University, which concentrated on the 85+ population in northern Sweden. READ (1 COMMENT) »

Masked man raped cyclist in Malmö park

After a 28-year-old woman was pulled off her bicycle and raped by an unidentified assailant in Malmö over the weekend, and police are fearing it could be the work of a budding serial rapist. READ (15 COMMENTS) »

Narcolepsy victims in new compensation bid

Narcolepsy victims in new compensation bid

Families of children in Sweden suffering from narcolepsy caused by vaccination for the swine flu can expect some form of compensation, Swedish health minister Göran Hägglund said on Sunday in response to new calls for help from parents. READ (1 COMMENT) »

Löfven ready to negotiate over nuclear power

Löfven ready to negotiate over nuclear power

The new leader of the Social Democrats Stefan Löfven has indicated he's ready to negotiate with the government over the future of nuclear power despite a previous party decision to phase out nuclear energy in Sweden. READ (3 COMMENTS) »

One in five Swedes 'believes in ghosts'

One in five Swedes 'believes in ghosts'

One in five Swedes believes that people rise from the grave after they've died, a new survey has shown. READ (15 COMMENTS) »

More Society

Highlights from Follow Sweden

20 things to know before moving to Sweden

As diverse as Sweden is, there are a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish. Understanding a handful of them will hopefully prepare you culturally before you relocate. When you're invited home to a Swede, you better be on time and take your shoes off, writes expat Lola Akinmade-Åkerström. Read more »

How far can English take you in Sweden?

Sweden is a country where almost everyone can speak English. So why bother to learn Swedish? Edina Varnagy from Hungary managed with English for a whole year but then found that Swedish could open doors – to a job, a social life and greater understanding. Read more »


Blog Update: Julie's Nordic Island

12 February 21:30

The consciousness of one »

"The ice dripped in the winter sun. It was the first day when the light had been intense enough to cause dripping in the sunlight. To hear it was an extraordinary wakeup call. The cycle was happening again as it always does, always will (or so we think). I imagined that on my summer island, the bees..." READ »

Highlights
The Local
SOCIETY »
The Local's Oliver Gee finds out why the star of Sweden's version of 'The Office' thinks Sweden is the most PC country in the world
Micheal Brauer/Flickr (File)
SCIENCE & TECH »
'Drunkorexia' on the rise in Sweden: report
Alexander Lervik and Johan Carper
LIFESTYLE »
Seven Swedish designs that will blow your mind
Eva Rinadi Celebrity and Live Music Photography/Flickr
SOCIETY »
Star Wars in Swedish causes fan outrage
www.dotoday.se
LIFESTYLE »
What's On: The Local's guide to upcoming attractions and events in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
OLIKA Publishing
OPINION »
The Swedish language needs a new pronoun free of preconceived notions about gender, a Swedish linguist and representatives from a publishing house argue
Madonna set for July 4th concert in Sweden
SOCIETY »
Madonna set for July 4th concert in Sweden
TV4
GALLERY »
An inside look at 'The Office' in Swedish
Georgios M.W (File)
SOCIETY »
Swedish mother gave 3-year-old cigs and beer
Photo: Fredrik Persson/Scanpix
SOCIETY »
A duvet cover designed to look like cardboard boxes, on sale at a luxury department store in Stockholm, has some arguing that the city's homeless are being exploited for profit.
Ann Catrin Brockman/Flickr (File)
LIFESTYLE »
Five Swedish songs that never made Eurovision
Q&A with Swenglish comedy star Ben Kersley
LIFESTYLE »
Swenglish comedy star Ben Kersley explains how ‘three bespectacled English guys’ plan to make Swedes laugh
Photo: Screenshot YouTube
SOCIETY »
Move over Bugs – a Swedish bunny is rapidly becoming the most popular rabbit in the world!
Photo: Sony Pictures
SPONSORED ARTICLE
How Millennium films tap deep into Swedish angst
Photo: Helena Wahlman
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Braving the cold: Ten reasons to spend winter in Sweden
Photo: ECLA
SPONSORED ARTICLE
A truly international education at the heart of Berlin
Highlights from Follow Sweden
Swedish word of the day

fin

adjective

Fin means anyhting from sweet to proper. When someone says, Du är så fin it's quite a compliment.

Latest news from The Local in Germany

More news from Germany at thelocal.de

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Blog
Highlights from Follow Sweden
New book about Sweden – get to know the country

Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth is a book about Sweden today. A country of natural beauty and open space, and a society focused on equality, human rights and sustainability. Meet regular and astonishing Swedes, supercars and indie rock bands, vampires and royalties.

Buy your copy of Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth from Sweden Bookshop

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »

Jobs in Sweden, in English

512 jobs available
216 new jobs this week
0 new jobs today

ALL JOBS »

Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Get on the Tennis Court with www.babolatshop.se
The new Online Tennis Store with the largest selection of Babolat Products in Sweden
http://www.babolatshop.se
Turning Point Counseling
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Swedish Down Town
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
English Speaking Therapist Stockholm
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now