|
Gay marriages sweep Czech Rpublic |
|
|
Proving that Eastern Europe and former Communist countries don't have to be synonymous with homophobia, the Czech Republic has reported a boon in civil partnerships since they became legal six months agao. More than 200 gay and lesbian couples have exchanged vows according to Prague Radio.
The Czech Republic is undoubtedly the most liberal Easter European countries; gay sex was legalised in 1962 and the age of consent was lowered to 15 in 1990, in tandem with hetersexuals. Gay prostitution was decriminalsied in 1990 and lesbians and gays are welcome in the armed forces.
LGBT civil rights leaders said they were pleasantly surprised by the numbers. Jiri Hromada, of the Gay Initiative, said he had expected much less interest.
The legislation passed the lower house in December, 2005 and the upper house a month later but was vetoed by President Vaclav Klaus in February 2006.
It made the Czech Republic the first post-communist country in central Europe to legalise gay and lesbian partnerships.
The law allows couples who register their partnership with authorities to have inheritance and health care rights similar to those given to heterosexual married couples.
The law, however, does not permit marriage or adoption of children by same-sex partners.
Recent public opinion polls show most Czechs support same-sex couples having the option of registering their partnerships
The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004. Source: uk.gay.com |
