(Photo Credits: lazyllama from Shutterstock)
In a historic decision, the parliament of Latvia has officially legalized same-sex civil partnerships. The vote, which took place last week, October 9th, marks the first time in Latvian history that legal recognition is granted to same-sex couples.
Under the newly approved legislation, couples entering civil unions can register their partnerships, gaining access to essential rights such as hospital visitation, as well as tax and social security benefits. This move represents a significant shift in Latvia’s stance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, overturning a 2005 constitutional amendment that defined marriage exclusively as between a man and a woman. The new law is expected to be implemented by mid-2024.
“This is a great beginning… Latvia is not one of the six countries in the European Union that have no recognition for same-sex couples,” Kaspars Zalitis, a gay rights activist, tells Reuters.
However, it’s important to note that despite this progressive step, same-sex couples in Latvia will still face limitations, as they won’t be permitted to adopt children, and challenges related to inheritance may persist.
Justice Minister Inese Libina-Egnere clarified that the parliament’s intention is not to grant civil union partners identical rights to those of married couples.
“We are acknowledging that we have families which are not married, and this is the way they can register their relationship,” she explained to Reuters. “The political will is to have a really specific kind of registered partnership.”
In 2020, Latvia’s highest court mandated the recognition of non-married families, and as a result, 46 same-sex couples successfully sought legal recognition as family units, as reported by public broadcaster LSM.
It’s worth noting that Estonia, Latvia’s neighboring country, legalized same-sex marriage in June.
In a noteworthy development earlier this year, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who was elected by the parliament, achieved a historic milestone as the first openly gay head of state in the country. For more information on this story, read here.
It is the “Domino Effect”‘
It is now “Politically Correct” and “Quite-the-Fashion –
to
join in and be part-of-the-crowd!
Everyone & Everybody –
is –
Righteous, and Magnanimous, too!
Now…
Let’s all join Kasper –
for
A shot of Jägermeister –
or
A semi-sweet, Manhattan –
with
Two Cherries!
As it becomes more and more unpopular to hate people based upon their sexuality, more and more countries will change their tune.
This is so much more productive than the hateful rhetoric and agenda too often promoted by militant members of “The Community”.
Hunter0500:
In absolute terms, I agree with you!
However –
The Media’s “Proclamations” are a bit more Predicated on the “Sensationalism” than on
the actual actualities of Same-Sex marital Equalities.
Actually, I was reacting to the contents of the article and its wordings than on the
efficacies of such pronouncements.
I well-familiar with hatred as I was part of the Military
Dievs sveti Latviu!
Congratulations to Latvia! Never been to Latvia, but now I’m thinking about it.
I was thinking, that might be the point, if it’s fiscally prudent, for the travel/tourist industry there.
Not just tourism. Companies will just shy away from investing in countries (building plants) were there’s a risk Progressive wokers would flame them. Just easier to choose another country and appear all inclusive and friendly, even if they’re not.
Sounds like the US, “appearing inclusive, friendly, when they’re not”.
Earl!
If you plan on going to Latvia,
I have the perfect ensemble for you!
It is a Autumn Grey, “Coco Channel” suite that belonged to my late mother!
It has a matching hat, clutch bag and heels!
You would look positively divine!
If you wish for additional accoutrements…
I can add a pair of Austrian Crystal, dangling earrings,
a Diamond Necklace to accent the “Decolletage,”
and
A Diamond Bracelet to decorate the wrist!
Perhaps,
a Diamond Brooch, too?
Alas, Kasper, If that’s your attire you’re just “not my kinda guy” sadly. BUT attire is not a deal breaker. A well-dressed person is a well-dressed person (please let’s not get into “preferred pronouns.”)
Could you help with an autumn gray mens suit with diamond studded buttons on the jacket and sleeves? A diamond pendant pocket watch chain? A diamond tie pin? A suitable colored tie and pocket square? That’d work!
The ensemble was not meant for you, Butch!
It was meant for lovely Earl!
Let’s not put the cart-before-the-horse!
Latvia .. picture the boot of Italy, then go south and east a bit to Greece. At Greece, go 1000 miles north and there’s Latvia. Go 400 miles north more and you hit Finland which is the eastern end of the landmass that is Norway/Sweden/Finland.
And, no, I didn’t know until I mapped it. “What I learned on A4A today.”
You actually learned something while on A4A?
Fabulous and Revelatory!
Will Wonders ever cease?
What about Lithuania?
What about Atlantis?
What about Olympus?
What about Asgard?