Civil union in Slovenia

Slovenia currently recognizes same-sex civil unions, giving same-sex partners access to one another's pensions and property. This has been the case since the adoption of a law in July 2005. The law became effective on July 23, 2006.

Background

A registered partnership law was adopted on 22 June 2005. The law covers only property relations, the right/obligation to support a socially weaker partner, and inheritance rights to a degree. It does not grant any rights in the area of social security (social and health insurance, pension rights) and it does not confer the status of a next-of-kin to the partners.The adoption of this law sparked a political debate in the National Assembly, with Slovenian National Party deputies opposing recognition of same-sex partners. The opposition Social Democrats and Liberals, arguing that the law proposed was too weak, refused to take part in the voting, leaving the chamber. The vote succeeded with 44 votes for and 3 against.

A more comprehensive Registered Partnership Bill passed the first reading in Parliament in July 2004 but was rejected by Parliament during the second reading in March 2005. The bill would have provided for all rights inherent to marriage apart from joint adoption rights.

On 31 March 2005, the government proposed a new partnership bill, described above, providing access to pensions and property. It was passed in July 2005, and became effective on July 23, 2006.

See also

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* Timeline of LGBT history
* Homosexuality laws of the world
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External links

* [http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/07/072406slovenia.htm 365gay.com: Slovenia OKs domestic partnerships (July 24, 2006)]