Same Sex Marriage Estonia : Celebrates Equality

same sex marriage Estonia Estonia Celebrates Equality

In a landmark decision, Estonia’s Riigikogu (parliament) has embraced marriage equality with a decisive vote. On June 20, 2023, a majority of 55 to 34 parliamentarians endorsed a bill set to take effect from January 1, 2024, sanctioning same-sex marriage. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas heralded this as a milestone, stating, “We are sculpting a society where individual rights flourish, and love knows no bounds.”

Starting in February, The Guardian reports, Estonia will begin processing its first same-sex marriage applications from February 2. This move positions Estonia as the 15th European Union country to legalize same-sex marriage, a decade following the sanctioning of civil unions.

Significantly, Estonia stands out as the first former Soviet Union country to legalize same-sex marriage. This represents a major leap forward from recognizing civil unions for same-sex couples a decade ago, in October 2014.

Reflecting societal progress, a recent survey by the Estonian Human Rights Centre indicates a shift in public sentiment: 53% of Estonians now support same-sex marriage, marking a stride in human rights advocacy.