Recognition of same-sex unions in Armenia

Legal status of same-sex unions
Marriage
Performed
Recognized

  1. Marriages performed in some municipalities and recognized by the state
  2. For some purposes, from all jurisdictions where same-sex marriage is legal
  3. When performed in Mexican states that have legalized same-sex marriage
  4. When performed in the Netherlands proper
  5. Registration schemes opened in all jurisdictions except Hualien County, Penghu County, Taitung County, and Yunlin County

* Not yet in effect

LGBT portal

Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legal in Armenia, though the country recognises all marriages performed abroad, including marriages between people of the same sex. The Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples.

History

In 2006, a same-sex couple celebrated an informal wedding ceremony in the country in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church).[1][2] The article published about this improvised marriage in "168 Zham" (168 Hours) newspaper provoked a scandal and indignation of local conservative media outlets, politicians and religious officials.[3]

Civil unions and same-sex marriages are not legal in Armenia and there is little public debate surrounding the issues. The government has close ties with the Armenian Apostolic Church, which opposes same-sex marriage.

Laws regarding same-sex partnerships in Europe
  Marriage
  Foreign marriages recognized
  Other type of partnership
  Unregistered cohabitation
  Unrecognized
  Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples
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It reads :
"Article 35. Freedom to Marry
1. A woman and a man having attainted the marriageable age shall have the right to marry and form a family with free expression of their will. The marriageable age and the procedure for marriage and divorce shall be prescribed by law.
2. A woman and a man are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
3. Freedom to marry may be restricted only by law with the aim of protecting health and morals."[4]

On 3 July 2017, the Ministry of Justice stated that all marriages performed abroad are valid in Armenia, including marriages between people of the same sex. According to the Family Code, marriages between Armenian citizens, those between Armenian citizens and foreigners or stateless persons, which have been registered outside Armenia, are valid inside the country after consular legalization. The article makes no reference to the sexes of the married partners and stipulates that marriages registered in another country which are in line with that particular state’s legislation, are valid in Armenia.[5][6] This makes Armenia the second country of the former Soviet Union, after Estonia, to recognise same-sex marriages performed abroad.

It is not known if this recognition gives Armenian same-sex couples any rights or protections under domestic law.

See also

References

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