Estonia Gay Marriage Referendum Gains Momentum

ESTONIA — (11-13-20) — The equality initiative petition which was introduced by the Estonian Green party, validating same sex marriages in the country, is gaining momentum with over 33,000 signatures collected since October 29.

The equality inititive petition demands that the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, amend the provision for marriage under the family law act to state that a union between two adults, irrespective of their gender, be recognized and protected.

Political groups Estonia 200, Noored Sotsiaaldemokraadid (Young Social Democrats), and the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party (SDE), have announced their support for the petition.

The Green party and other progressive groups are pushing for the equality initiative in the wake of a nationwide referendum on marriages proposed by the incumbent coalition government led by the Estonian Centre Party.

“human rights of all people and a society of solidarity are important to us, where no one can be repressed, hated or discriminated against on the basis of nationality, race, color, sex, language, origin, religion, political or other beliefs, property and social rights, status or other circumstances, as enshrined in our Constitution,” said Piret Räni, member of the Estonian Greens Council. “Because all Estonians are our own people and they must have equal opportunities – also the opportunity to marry another person you love.” said Räni.

Räni added…“Because if we..bully one section of our people, another section will be bullied next. See what’s happening in Poland! We do not want populist conservatives to ruin our friendly Estonia and also put hatred of women next on the agenda….we must act together united and not look for enemies among our own people,” said Räni.

Since January 2016, same-sex couples in Estonia are able to register their relationship as a cohabitation agreement, but are unable to marry or jointly adopt.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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