Vietnam: Authorities Considering Gay Marriage.

Vietnam has shocked many by revealing it is considering whether to allow same sex couples to marry or legally register to receive rights. The AP reports that Vietnam’s Justice Ministry has said a legal framework is necessary as the courts do not know how to handle disputes between gay couples who live together.

Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong said Tuesday in an online chat broadcast on national TV and radio: "I think, as far as human rights are concerned, it's time for us to look at the reality. The number of homosexuals has mounted to hundreds of thousands. It's not a small figure. They live together without registering marriage. They may own property. We, of course, have to handle these issues legally."

If the country goes ahead with the proposed plans, it will be the first country in Asia to legalise gay marriage, joining 11 other countries throughout the world. PinkPaper.