Same-sex partners queue up for registration under Latvia’s recently enacted civil union law

Two Latvian men, Maksims Ringo and Janis Locs, have become the first same-sex couple to register their partnership as a civil union under a new nationwide law that took effect on Monday. Notably, couples have started queuing outside the country’s notary offices, eager to register their unions swiftly, as pointed out by a national gay rights activist.

According to ‘LGBTQ Nation’, the couple formalised their union at a legal office in Riga, shortly after midnight on Monday. They exchanged silver rings at a celebration in the city’s main library, hoping to replace them with gold rings if Latvia ever legalises same-sex marriage, Reuters reported.

“We have been together for five and a half years … so for us, it’s mostly practical,” Ringo explained, highlighting that they entered into a civil union to secure certain civil rights like hospital visitation. These legal unions also grant some tax and social security benefits, although they don’t permit adoption or full inheritance rights.

Although legislators amended the Latvian constitution in 2005 to define marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman, last November, the Latvian parliament passed same-sex civil unions following a successful lawsuit by 46 same-sex couples demanding legal recognition from the courts.

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As a result of the new law, there are now only five countries in the European Union that don’t offer civil unions to same-sex couples: Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

Kaspars Zālītis, leader of the Dzīvesbiedri (Life Partners) equality movement, stated in a press release: “The introduction of partnership in Latvia is an important step towards a more equal, inclusive, and empathetic society, in which each person feels valued and can realize his or her potential both in personal and professional life.”

“The introduction of the Institute of Partnership Law is an important signal that all families in Latvia are protected, valued, and recognized. This is extremely important for people who have remained invisible to the state, not only in practical matters of everyday life but also emotionally. This long-awaited moment will positively change the lives of many people,” added Zālītis.

In July 2023, Latvia inaugurated Edgars Rinkēvičs, 49, as president over the weekend, making him the country’s first openly LGBTQ+ president.

“Latvia is a sovereign, free, and democratic country,” he said in his inaugural address to parliament. “But it must be legal and fair for all. Every person in Latvia, its citizens, must feel that they belong, legally protected and safe.”

One of Latvia’s most popular politicians, Rinkēvičs has served as the country’s top diplomat since 2011. He publicly came out in 2014, proudly acknowledging his sexuality.

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