Victory for equality in Spain
Today the Spanish parliament delivered its final approval of the law opening up civil marriage to same-sex partners. This makes Spain the third country in Europe and the world to provide full equality in terms of the matrimonial law regardless of sexual orientation. Same-sex partners will now be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage, and will be entitled to jointly apply for adoption.
Print HTMLILGA-Europe is pleased with this significant development and would like to congratulate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Spain, the Spanish politicians and the entire Spanish society for their courage, determination and ability to overcome prejudice and to deliver equality.
Patricia Prendiville, Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, said:
“We welcome the decision of the Spanish parliament and congratulate Spain on this important step. Spain proved that it is a modern and outward looking society and there is no reason or justification for discriminating against LGBT people. It has also proved that even strong Roman Catholic roots and heritage is not a barrier for building an inclusive and equal society. We believe the Spanish marriage victory will have a significant positive impact in other European countries where religious arguments are used to oppose the legal recognition for same-sex partners.”
For more information please contact Juris Lavrikovs at + 32 2 609 54 16 / + 32 496 708 375
Notes for editors:
(1) ILGA-Europe is the European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and world for human rights and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people at European level.
(2) Only two other countries allow same-sex marriage – the Netherlands and Belgium. There is a number of European countries providing various forms of legal recognition for same-sex partners. Full list is available on our website: www.ilga-europe.org > Same-sex marriage and partnerships in Europe.
