Today Vladimir Simonko and Monika Antanaitytė from LGL together with other LGBTIQ civil society activists met with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė to discuss partnership regulation issues. This is the first such meeting at the Government level in Lithuanian history.
We are grateful for the Prime Minister’s clear position on LGBTIQ human rights issues. During the meeting, we presented arguments for clear, consistent, high-quality legal regulation that addresses real problems.
Key Discussion Points
Quality of Legal Regulation: We emphasized that the partnership institute must be integrated into the Civil Code, rather than created as a separate, fragmented regulation. European practice shows that the most successful systems supplement rather than replace existing legal structures – as done by France, Germany, and other countries.
Recognition of Family Status: We stressed that same-sex couples create families and have the right to legal recognition of family status, including personal non-property rights, inheritance, family property regime, and other essential elements.
Dignity and Non-Discrimination Principle: We emphasized that partnership registration must take place through Civil Registry offices, like all families, not through commercial institutions or notaries. Creating a separate registration system would constitute discrimination and create a class of “second-class families.”
Gradual Improvement: If all rights cannot be guaranteed immediately, we proposed at least starting with the establishment of dignified registration procedures, which could later be expanded and improved.
Prime Minister’s Position
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the Constitutional Court’s decision obligates politicians to resolve the partnership institute issue while respecting each person’s dignity and choices. The Prime Minister noted that currently, without appropriate regulation, individuals are forced to legalize partnerships through judicial means, which becomes a burden both for them and for the court system.
What’s Next?
We hope for constructive dialogue and a clear Government position on equal, quality, non-discriminatory, and systematic partnership regulation. It’s time to hear same-sex families and ensure their future – and all of our futures – in Lithuania.
The human rights organizations coalition will continue to cooperate with decision-makers, providing expert support and disseminating fact-based information.
