Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

In an interview published last week, Frans Timmermans, vice-president of the European Commission, stated that he will advocate all EU member states to be obliged to recognize same-sex marriages made in other countries. This should facilitate same-sex married couples’ movement within the EU and retaining the right to pension, inheritance or child custody. “Even if you do not want same-sex marriages in your country, you should respect the existence of such marriages in other countries and recognize such marriages between people moving to your country,” said Timmermans.

Ulrike Lunacek, member of the EP and co-chairwoman of the Intergroup for LGBTI rights, reacted to Timmermans’ statement: “I strongly applaud these words of vice-chairman Timmermans, confirming that the bonds of love and their recognition before the law, regardless of whether made between persons of the same or opposite sex, should have the same treatment. I am looking forward to cooperation with Mr. Timmermans to make this proposal a reality as soon as possible.” The co-president of the LGBTI Intergroup, Daniele Viotti, added that because of the lack of such regulation, dangerous situations are possible for same-sex couples. Ian Duncan, vice-chairman of the Intergroup, also lauded Timmermans’ statement: “Same-sex couples in Europe should not face obstacles not placed before heterosexual couples.”

Source: Network for the European Women’s Lobby