“Equal like any other couple…an important message.”
Estonia became the first former Soviet Union country to legalize same-sex marriage on the 1st (local time).
This is because the family law amendments passed by the Estonian parliament in June last year came into effect on this day. At the time, Congress passed this bill, which legalized same-sex marriage, with 55 votes in favor and 34 against.
Accordingly, same-sex couples can register their marriage applications online from this day.
It is reported that the first application will be processed by February 2nd. It is said that the normal processing period will take approximately 1 to 6 months.
In an interview with the Guardian, ‘Baltic Pride’, which is mainly led by homosexuals from the Baltic countries, welcomed it as “an important moment to show that Estonia is part of Northern Europe.” Of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU), 15, including Estonia, allow same-sex marriage.
He continued, “This is a very important message from the government that LGBT+ people are equal like other couples,” and emphasized, “We are also valuable, deserve the same services, and have the same choices.”
Since 2013, civil partnership and cohabitation of same-sex couples have been legally recognized. However, this did not include the right to adopt children. However, under the new law, married same-sex couples can legally adopt children and have other rights, including government benefits.
According to a poll conducted by the Estonian Human Rights Center, 53% of citizens supported same-sex marriage last year. This is a significant increase from 34% 10 years ago. On the other hand, it is known that most Russians, who make up a quarter of Estonia’s population, are opposed to same-sex marriage.
The Guardian pointed out that Estonia decriminalized homosexuality when it became independent from the former Soviet Union in 1991, but discrimination and violence still exist. In fact, the Guardian pointed out that during a Pride event in June last year, an LGBT pastor was stabbed in the neck with a weapon at a bar in Tallinn, and it was known that LGBT military conscripts should be subject to additional investigation.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.