By John Mack Freeman
The legislature in the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus have voted to approve civil unions between same-sex partners. While joint adoption rights were not included in the measure, this is seen as a positive step forward in a culturally conservative country where the Orthodox Church (Greek) has significant sway.
Many believe this move was taken to further Cyprus’s inclusion in the European Union as an economic necessity. EU courts have repeatedly stressed the importance of countries protecting GLBT rights and recognizing same-sex couples. Earlier this month, Ukraine lost travel rights for its citizens in the EU due to that country’s rejection of GLBT protections.
