Yesterday the Estonian Parliament became the first country on the territory of the former Soviet Union to approve a law on registered partnership that applies to same-sex couples. The new "law on coexistence" was approved by a close majority of 40 votes in favor and 38 against with 10 abstentions.
Should the president approve the new legal norm, it will take effect as of 2016. The approval of the law was preceded by a rather tempestuous discussion.
According to surveys, two-thirds of Estonians are against registered partnerships. An Estonian foundation called "Support for Families and Tradition" is leading those opposed to the law; its activists believe registered partnership disrupts the moral basis of Estonian society.
Supporters of the law, on the other hand, claim that Estonian society will become healthier and more tolerant as a result of its enforcement. Under certain circumstances, the law also permits registered couples to adopt children.
Estonia has taken the lead among post-Soviet countries in the effort to adopt a law guaranteeing respect for LGBT rights. Russia has headed in the opposite direction, approving a highly controversial law last year banning the promotion of "homosexuality" among youth.
"Homosexuality" was a crime in the former USSR. In Russia, deep prejudices against gays and lesbians survive to this day.
