Dozens of human rights groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined forces to advocate for the rights of same-sex couples in Romania. Their collective effort aims to align Romanian policies with a landmark ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued in May. The ECHR ruling determined that Romania had failed to uphold the rights of same-sex couples by refusing to acknowledge their relationships, a verdict that is expected to compel policymakers to broaden protections for the LGBT community.
Mixed Responses from Romanian Leadership
In late November, Romania’s leftist Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, expressed a lack of readiness to recognize same-sex families, emphasizing that Romanian society was not yet prepared for such a shift in policy. On the other side of the spectrum, Nicolae Ciuca, the head of the ruling coalition center-right Liberal Party and senate speaker, declared his party’s support for “traditional families.”
Nevertheless, a petition signed by thirty-five rights groups underscores the need for recognition and legal protection for all families, emphasizing the responsibility of the Romanian state to offer concrete solutions for its citizens. Initiated by ACCEPT, the petition calls upon policymakers to amend legislation to allow for same-sex marriages, recognize marriages conducted abroad, and approve civil unions.
Ongoing Struggles for LGBT Rights
While Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 2001, it still lags behind other European Union countries by not permitting marriage or civil partnerships for same-sex couples. Despite the efforts of activists, seven legislative proposals to include same-sex couples in civil unions have either been rejected or remain mired in parliamentary approval committees.
With Romania gearing up for local, European, general, and presidential elections in 2024, the issue of LGBT rights is likely to remain a prominent topic of discussion. A survey commissioned by the LGBT rights group ACCEPT in 2021 revealed that 71% of Romanians believed legal recognition of civil marriage for same-sex couples would have no impact on their lives.
The ECHR’s recent ruling against Poland, which found a violation of the right to respect for private life due to the lack of legal recognition for same-sex couples, serves as a reminder of the broader international context in which these discussions about LGBT rights are taking place. As Romania grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by this issue, it remains to be seen how the nation will navigate the path toward greater inclusivity and recognition for its LGBT citizens.