By John Mack Freeman
A ruling by the European Court of Human Rights has found that the 47 members of that court must recognize same-sex unions. Stemming from an Italian case, the ruling found that not recognizing same-sex unions violates the human rights of the plaintiffs. At the moment, 23 of the member countries have no recognition for same-sex couples. Although the Court’s ruling is not binding, it will certainly guide the discussion and may lead to change in the near future. Via PinkNews:
While the ruling does not immediately bring changes, the Washington Post notes: “Other countries have a right to wait until a formal case is brought against them and to argue in front of the court that their domestic situation differs from that in Italy… [but] on average countries become much more likely to change domestic laws after a ECtHR judgment found violations in similar laws elsewhere.”
Jean Freedberg, Deputy Director of rights charity HRC Global. said: “This ruling makes clear that same-sex partnerships deserve to be recognized, protected, and celebrated, and we urge all signatories to do so.
“From the victorious national referendum in Ireland in May to the historic ruling in the US Supreme Court last month, the momentum for equality reaches around the globe.”
Evan Wolfson, president of US campaign group Freedom to Marry, said: “Today’s ruling affirms that gay people may not be denied the basic human right to form families and requires that all signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights treat their committed relationships with respect and protection under the law.
