Slovakia says no to gay partnership law

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/slovakia-says-no-gay-partnership-law061112

Slovakia's parliament voted against the introduction of a same-sex partnership law

Slovakia's parliament rejected today (6 November) an opposition proposal to recognize gay partnerships.

The bill has been passionately debated with the government and right wing parties accusing the opposition of blasphemy.

Allegations were also made that granting same-sex relationship equivalent status as heterosexual marriage would be risky for society and undermine family values.

Fourteen deputies vote for gay partnerships, ninety four against and twenty abstained.

Martin Poliacik, co-author of the bill and member of the opposition Freedom and Solidarity party was quoted in Reuters saying: ‘The purpose of the official recognition of same-sex partnerships' legitimacy is the fulfilment of these people's love and responsible relationships’.

Pavol Hrusovsky, of the right wing Christian Democrats, said: ‘This draft law, ladies and gentlemen, is an insane legislative attempt to crash the entire legal system.

‘This is something that is unprecedented.

‘You are trying to change the face of this country.’

Whilst Slovakia is a devote Catholic country public opinion has shifted in Slovakia in the past few years, becoming more favourable to LGBT people and granting rights to same-sex couples.

A Pew Global Attitudes Project survey recorded that 68% of Slovaks believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society.

A recent poll suggest that 47 percent of Slovaks support the introduction of gay marriage while only 38 percent oppose it.

Of the European Union's 27 member states, 14 recognize same-sex partnerships, including the neighboring Czech Republic.

The center-right government of Robert Fico approved in October the creation of a committee for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, as a forum for public debate, a move criticized by the Christian Democrats and Slovakia's Conference of Bishops.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/slovakia-says-no-gay-partnership-law061112