Slovenia officially legalizes same-sex marriage, making it the first Eastern European country to equalize marriage and adoption laws for same-sex couples. On Tuesday, February 1, the country’s Family Code was updated, making it part of Slovenia’s laws. In October 2022, Slovenia’s parliament passed an amendment to the Family Code, following a decision by the country’s top court in July, which found that banning same-sex marriage and adoption violated the country’s constitution and its prohibition of discrimination. The Constitutional Court upheld the decision and the law was signed into effect on January 16, taking full effect on January 31.
Reacting to the news, Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar stated, “Human rights are universal and never taken for granted. As societies develop, so does human rights law, breaking down prejudices and applying to everyone.” Luka Mesec, the leader of The Left party, credited the success to civil society and persistent activism. The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities also expressed their joy in a Twitter statement, saying, “We are glad that the amendment to the Family Code finally enters into force today.”
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With this amendment, Article 3 of the Family Code now reads, “Marriage is the union of two people for life, whose conclusion, legal consequences, and termination are governed by this Code.” The legalization of same-sex marriage is a historic win for LGBTQ+ rights in Eastern Europe and a step towards love and equality for all.
Mar 28, 2023
