The parliament of Estonia has passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first ex-Soviet country to pass the law.
The amendments translate to the fact that same-sex couples can now adopt children.
In Estonia, only a married couple can adopt a child, while single gay, lesbian and bisexual people can also petition to adopt.
The law will become effective on January 1, 2024.
According to a press statement, two adults will be able to marry “regardless of their gender,” after the parliament approved amendments to the country’s Family Law Act.
While reacting to the development, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said: “Everyone should have the right to marry the person they love and want to commit to.
“With this decision, we are finally stepping among other Nordic countries as well as all the rest of the democratic countries in the world where marriage equality has been granted.
“This is a decision that does not take anything away from anyone but gives something important to many,” she continued. “It also shows that our society is caring and respectful towards each other. I am proud of Estonia.”
Same-sex relationships have been recognized legally in Estonia since 2016, when the Registered Partnership Act took effect. But while this act recognized couples irrespective of their sex, marriage was only permitted to take place between members of the opposite sex.
Estonia’s Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo said: “I am genuinely very grateful for the patience and understanding the LGBT+ community has shown for all these years.
“I hope that, in time, those opposed to marriage equality come to see that we don’t lose anything from taking such steps, but rather that we all gain from them. I am delighted that the decision has now been taken for a more forward-looking Estonia that cares for all.”
SUPPORT NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWSPAPER CANADA
If you like our work and want to keep enjoying what we offer, kindly support us by donating to the Nigerian Canadian News by clicking here
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Do you want to share any news or information with us? If yes, contact the publisher at publisher@test1.nascitest.club
