President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives same-sex couples hope for the introduction of registered civil partnerships. Responding to an online petition on Tuesday, he pointed out that the government had already worked out several possible solutions for the recognition of such non-marriage relationships.
At the same time, Zelenskyy asked Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal to examine the petition, which was supported by around 28,600 people. However, he rejected the demanded admission of same-sex marriages.
According to the President, the constitution defines marriage as a union between a woman and a man. It may not be changed as long as martial law applies. The petition calls for same-sex couples to be able to “start a family” and obtain an “official document.” They need “the same rights as traditional couples”. With regard to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the argument put forward is that “every day can be the last at this time”.
Meanwhile, MP Inna Sowsun from the liberal opposition party Voice called for same-sex partnerships to be recognized “better sooner than later”. According to Ukrainian law, the president must deal with a petition if it has the support of at least 25,000 citizens within three months. The petition “Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage” was published on June 3 on the President’s Internet portal.
