Denmark not so Permissive

Gay and feminist legislation in these countries's not always as liberal as it might seem, but it at least is far in advance of New Zealand and the groups have made some important innovations.

A woman applying for abortion in Denmark will be housed in a mother care centre in the country and her case summed up. Unless it is proved the pregnancy will he psychologically or physically harmful to the mother to be, an abortion is not granted. But at least the stale covers the Cost of housing and providing for the woman throughout her term.

Marriage laws in Denmark are being reviewed with the possibility of including a marriage contract between members of the same sex and between groups of people. In both Denmark and Germany a couple may choose whether it wants to take the man's or the woman's surname or invent a new one.

Alimony in Denmark is rare and the support of children in a divorce is shared equally where economically possible. The notion of calling a child illegitimate just because the child's father could not be identified is ridiculous. A child is legitimate as long as it knows its mother, Alison Laurie argued, "The question of illegitimacy could only arise in a patriarchal society". In this respect Denmark is similar to New Zealand, where attitudes have been influenced by the initial setting of middle class English immigrants, with their fixed roles.

Methods being used in the Stales to squash this role thing include private radio stations running both feminist and gay programmes. If includes universities running women's studies and gay liberation courses which count as full majors. There is a stress on the sharing of the bread winning/household duties. Five couples, that is, ten people might share five jobs between them so that activities and responsibilities could be rotated. It is also interesting to note that in the husband and wife relationship, the wife works for two weeks then the husband works for two weeks so that caring for the house and working are shared.

Feminist bookshops and centres are a feature of many cities in the States and in Denmark. These places provide room for meetings, workshops, creches, bars, cafeterias and a crashpad for women with nowhere to stay. An interesting feature of overseas feminists is the YWCA. It is fully involved in the Women's Liberation Movement and has the amenities to provide a wide range of services for women.