Austria's parliament has passed legislation allowing gay couples to enter into civil unions. The decision is slated to become law on Jan. 1. It will give same-sex couples a series of rights enjoyed by heterosexuals, including access to a pension if one partner dies and alimony in the event of a split. However, the new law does not allow the adoption of children or artificial insemination. Justice Minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner said Thursday's vote was a big and historic step for the Alpine republic. The opposition right-wing Freedom Party rejected the legislation that was seen as a compromise between the governing coalition. The Greens argued it does not go far enough. (AP)