Ljubljana: Slovenia has joined a growing number of European countries that allow same-sex marriages, almost three years after a similar law was rejected in a national referendum.

Parliament passed the law giving same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt children with 51 votes in favour and 28 against.

A gay pride parade in Ljubljana in 2009. Credit:Reuters

"This will be a step towards a truly patient and inclusive society with which Slovenia enters the 21st century," Matej Tasner Vatovec of centre-left opposition party the United Left, which proposed the law, told parliament before the vote.