Earlier this week South Africa became the first African country to legalise marriage for gay and lesbian couples when lawmakers gave their final approval to controversial legislation.

A total of 230 lawmakers voted for the civil union Bill

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after a stormy debate at the Parliament in Cape Town,while another 41 opposed the measure. There were three abstentions.The new legislation according to the Government forms part of a wider commitment to battle discrimination.

The Bill, which allows for civil unions to be formalised by way of either a marriage or a civil partnership, has been widely opposed by religiousgroups, conservatives and traditionalists.