The Finnish Parliament has passed a controversial bill allowing the registration of same-sex couples. In the vote on Friday afternoon 99 MPs supported the measure and 84 were opposed.

   

The vote was expected to be very tight: although the bill was put forward by the present five-party government, the parties gave their MPs a free hand to vote according to their conscience.

The debate over the measure

has been intense and at times quite emotional. Religiously-motivated opponents of the measure held a prayer vigil for several days at the base of the steps of the House of Parliament.

   

On Thursday supporters of the law held a demonstration of their own in front of Parliament.