According to the proposal, signed by the Councillor for Social Rights, Manuel Grilo, “the Santo António Marriage Regulations are silent on the possibility of same-sex participation”.

Although the regulation states that “the bride and groom must be in a legal position to marry”, the “registration bulletin still contains only the options bride and groom”, reads the document signed by the councillor of BE, a party that has a county governance agreement with the PS.

Thus, the proposal, which is scheduled to be discussed at the chamber meeting on 23 January, aims to “amend the registration form and other documentation to include the possibility of same-sex couples to participate”.

The BE also wants to be publicized this possibility of participation of homosexual couples in the weddings of Santo António, whose ceremonies are part of the Festas de Lisboa, which will take place in June.

“St. António's marriages began in 1958 with the religious ceremony. After a long interruption, they were resumed in 1997, with the inclusion of civil marriages. At its root is a caring initiative that supports couples in achieving their marriage. Currently the initiative is from CML [Lisbon City Council] in partnership with EGEAC [Equipment Management and Cultural Animation Company]”, the proposal also states.