Civil partnerships (partenariats) for same-sex and opposite-sex couples were legalized in Luxembourg through legislation in July 2004, which took effect on November 1, 2004. They have many of the rights of marriage in relation to access to welfare benefits and fiscal advantages but not the same as marriage. They do not give the right to jointly adopt children.[1][2][3]
Public support for same-sex marriage in Luxembourg is relatively high, with 58% support in 2006.[4] The ruling Christian Social People's Party until 2009 was opposed to same-sex marriage, even though the Prime Minister, originating from the same party, has expressed his personal support.[5] In July 2007, a same-sex marriage bill was rejected in parliament, on a 38-22 vote.[6] The Democratic Party, Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party, The Greens and The Left all support same-sex marriage.[6]
In July 2009, the Government of Luxembourg, led by Jean-Claude Juncker, announced its intention to legalize same-sex marriage. [7][8] During a debate on January 19, 2010, the Minister of Justice, François Biltgen announced that a law to legalize same-sex marriage (with exception of certain adoption rights) would be finalized before the summer vacation break of the parliament.[9][10] On July 9, 2010, the government accepted the bill;[11][12][13][14] on August 10, 2010, it was submitted to the parliament.[15]
|
|||||||||||