Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his support for a bill that seeks to introduce civil partnerships in the country, a move seen as a significant step toward recognising the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. The announcement was made during a session with university students and has been captured in a video released by "Mirror of the Week," a Ukrainian news outlet.
The proposed legislation addresses the legal standing of same-sex couples, a matter of special relevance to Ukrainian military personnel, many of whom are unable to formalise their relationships due to existing legal constraints. Authored by a group of deputies and submitted to the Ukrainian parliament in March of the previous year, the bill has garnered backing from various legislative committees focused on national health and related issues.
While the bill does not equate registered civil partnerships with marriage, it does grant partners the same status as immediate family members. Proponents of this legislative change contend that it would enhance legal protections and rights for same-sex couples, aligning Ukraine with broader Eurointegration efforts and bolstering its image on the international stage.
The move has been welcomed by advocates of LGBTQ+ rights as a potential milestone in expanding the legal recognition of diverse relationships in Ukraine. If enacted, the legislation could alleviate some of the challenges faced by military personnel whose partnerships have previously gone unrecognised legally.
Source: Noah Wire Services