Latvia introduced a new law that recognizes the civil union union for all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation. This significant step towards equality allows both heterosexual and homosexual couples to enjoy the legal benefits of a recognized partnership. This historic legislation marks an important moment in the country's path to inclusion and equal rights for all its citizens, BTA reports.
The new law came into force yesterday and was welcomed by activists demanding more rights for members of the LGBT community.
By joining a civil union, couples will be able to enjoy advantages, including fiscal ones, without, however, having the same rights as married couples. People who are in a civil union will not be able, for example, to inherit each other and adopt children.
However, this is the first time that same-sex couples in Latvia have been given the opportunity to formalize their relationship.
For comparison, same-sex civil unions have been possible in Estonia since 2016, and same-sex couples have been able to marry there since last year.