23 June 2005

Gay adoption law in doubt

The Christian Democrat CD&V is not prepared to back a legislative proposal from the Socialist SP.A giving gay couples the same adoption rights as heterosexual couples. Instead, the CD&V will lodge its own proposal in which gay couples can become a ‘co-parent’. The CD&V said the co-parenting proposal offers complete parental authority. It is used for children born from lesbian couples or co-habiting unmarried heterosexual couples. CD&V leader Jo Vandeurzen had earlier said MPs could vote either way on the SP.A proposal, but his stance was subjected to sharp criticism, ‘De Tijd’ reported. The party executive subsequently adjusted its stance, meaning that the SP.A proposal might not gain a parliamentary majority. The MR party is opposed to the proposal, while the Liberal VLD has also raised objections to the plan.

Policeman kills wife, shoots himself

A 45-year-old police inspector shot and killed his wife Inge Rubens in their Bilzen home at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, before turning the gun on himself. But policeman Eddy Coenen survived the suicide attempt and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The deceased victim is survived by her 16 and 19-year-old daughters, ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ reported. They were in the house at the time of the shooting, but fled and told passersby to alarm police. Neighbours were not aware of any relationship problems the couple had, but Coenen was known to suffer from depression. The victim was a head nurse at a Hasselt hospital.

Brussels opts for unmanned speed cameras

Brussels has decided to start using unmanned speed cameras. The Belgian capital is the last region to start using the cameras. The first 10 devices will be placed in the police zone west, with the busy approach road to the basilica of Koekelberg among the targeted areas. By 2007, there will be 90 speed cameras in Brussels, ‘De Standaard’ reported. Brussels Transport Minister Pascal Smet hopes the cameras will encourage motorists to stop speeding. Thee number of accidents involving injuries is on the rise in Brussels. Flanders already has a 1,000 speed cameras, while Walloon has just 30.

Truck speed limit plan wins backing

Federal Transport Minister Renaat Landuyt has backed a Flemish call to limit trucks to 80kmh, ‘La Libre’ reported. But Landuyt also unveiled an eight-point plan aimed at increasing truck safety on the nation’s roads. He wants to impose a takeover ban on trucks on motorways with just two lanes at during peak-hour periods. Flemish Transport Minister Kathleen van Brempt called earlier this week to reduce the national speed limit for trucks, a proposal the Wallonian government was prepared to discuss.

Beer production at record high

Belgian beer companies produced a record amount of beer last year as production increased by 2 million litres or 11 percent. Exports especially increased, rising 30 percent in 2004. Exports to countries such as Luxembourg, the US and Canada rose by more than 50 percent. But Belgians are drinking less beer, with each person drinking on average 96lr last year compared with 93lr in 2003. Belgians are also going to a café less often, resulting in 4 percent fewer cafés in 2004.

Subject: Belgian news