Two Spanish Air Force Privates to Wed

Two male air force privates will wed this summer, taking Spain's new gay marriage law to the ranks of the military for what is believed to be the first time.

Their union may not be well-received in the military but they don't care, said one of the two Seville-based men, both of whom are named Alberto. Their last names were not released.

"We know we are in the armed forces and this is touchy because we are not gardeners but rather soldiers. I know there are superior officers who will make life difficult for me, and they are already doing so," said one of the Albertos, according to the Cadena Ser radio station.

The wedding is scheduled for September in Seville.

The Defense Ministry said it was aware of the wedding plans through news reports but had no comment other than to say it was a personal matter and the men have every right to marry under the gay marriage law that went into effect in Spain on Jan 1.

The men received permission to wear their military uniforms during the wedding but in the end decided against it to avoid antagonizing the military, said Beatriz Gimeno, president of Spain's main federation of gays, lesbians and transsexuals.

So far 4,500 same-sex couples have wed under the legislation, according to the Justice Ministry.

Besides Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium have legalized same-sex marriage, while Britain and other European countries have laws that give same-sex couples the right to form legally binding partnerships.

In the United States, only the state of Massachusetts allows gay marriage, while Vermont and Connecticut permit civil unions.

This week two male couples _ one in Madrid and other in Barcelona _ filed for the first divorces under the Spanish law, Gimeno said.

It was not immediately possible to contact the two military grooms.
(Source: AP)