Austria’s parliament passed legislation Thursday that allows homosexual couples to enter into civil unions, according to the Associated Press.

The bill is to become a law January first. This will include access to a pension if one partner dies and alimony in the event of a split.

“We are living in the 21^st century and I’m very glad step is being taken today,” said Justice Minister Claudia Bandlon-Ortner during parliamentary debate.

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-Katelynd Jarvis