Estonia Becomes First Baltic State to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
The progressive stance of Estonia, which aligns itself closely with Nordic attitudes, sets it apart from its Baltic neighbors, as neither Lithuania nor Latvia are currently close to passing similar legislation. In some other Central and Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary, right-wing parties have fueled a populist backlash against same-sex marriage, framing it as a cultural battle against Western European values. Even in the liberal Czech Republic, the governing coalition has decided not to pursue same-sex marriage.
Estonia Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, a First for Baltic States
In a historic move, the Estonian parliament has voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, making Estonia the first Baltic state and the second country in Central and Eastern Europe to allow same-sex marriage, following Slovenia's lead. The decision comes just two months after the country's new centrist coalition government took office, with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas promising to introduce the legislation as quickly as possible.
The progressive stance of Estonia, which aligns itself closely with Nordic attitudes, sets it apart from its Baltic neighbors, as neither Lithuania nor Latvia are currently close to passing similar legislation. In some other Central and Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary, right-wing parties have fueled a populist backlash against same-sex marriage, framing it as a cultural battle against Western European values. Even in the liberal Czech Republic, the governing coalition has decided not to pursue same-sex marriage.
During the vote in Estonia's Riigikogu (Parliament), 55 members voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, while 34 voted against. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, Estonia had introduced same-sex civil unions in 2014, but the implementation of related provisions had been delayed for years.
Under the amendments to the Estonian Family Law Act, the institution of marriage will be modified to allow any two natural persons of legal age, regardless of gender, to marry. The language will change from "man and woman" to "two natural persons." The proposal also clarifies adoption rights for same-sex couples and establishes regulations for parenthood.
Marriage and registered partnerships will provide couples with rights and obligations that are not extended to de facto relationships, including aspects related to property, assets, parentage, and support. The amendments will also prevent situations where a surviving partner is unable to inherit the assets of their deceased spouse without a will, as they would automatically go to the deceased's relatives.
The introduction of same-sex marriage in Estonia is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and progress. Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo expressed gratitude to the LGBT+ community for their patience and understanding over the years, while Prime Minister Kallas emphasized that the decision reflects Estonia's caring and respectful society.
The passage of this legislation not only grants equal rights to all Estonians but also marks a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in the Baltic region and Central and Eastern Europe as a whole.
