Latvia has legalized partnerships between people of any gender

The Latvian Seimas adopted a law introducing the institution of civil partnership in the country. about this . writes The local publication Delfi

According to the new law, which will come into force on July 1, 2024, two people of any gender who are in a close relationship, leading a common household, and who are not direct relatives or spouses, but who have declared their willingness to care for each other, will be able to conclude partnerships with the help of a notary.

Citizens in such relationships will receive a number of rights that until now only people who were married had. Thus, one of the partners, if necessary, will be able to make medical decisions regarding the other, and in the event of his death, receive the required social benefits, for example, the remainder of the deceased’s pension. The partnership can be dissolved at will or due to the death of one of the partners.

Despite the fact that people of the same sex will be able to enter into such relationships, the authors of the bill have repeatedly emphasized that partnerships are not an analogue of same-sex marriage. The text of the document also specifically states that “partnership is not equivalent to marriage.”

As an example of the target audience of the new law, its authors cited two childless pensioners, for whom it is financially and psychologically easier to live, run a household and manage finances together.

In turn, the head of the movement in support of same-sex partnerships Dzīvesbiedri Kaspars Zalitis called the adoption of this law a good start. At the same time, he emphasized that what has been done is not enough to provide an adequate level of social protection to existing same-sex couples, especially those raising children.

According to him, to achieve parity in the level of rights and social protection of spouses and “partners”, it will be necessary to adopt a new package of bills, as well as amend at least 70 existing laws.

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