Lichtenstein Approves Civil Unions

[WillParkinson]

Lichtenstein Approves Civil Unions

Voters in the tiny nation of Lichtenstein have approved a version of civil unions for LGBT couples.

Gay and lesbian couples will receive the same tax, inheritance and welfare rights as come with marriage following a referendum in which 68 percent supported the law, Swiss news agency ATS reported. Parliament had all but adopted the legislation earlier this year but its critics, the group Vox Populi, called for a public poll. The new law is based on the Swiss model which came into effect in 2007 and therefore excludes the right to adopt children. "With this clear 'yes' to partnerships, Liechtenstein... is putting an end to the current discrimination faced by same-sex couples," ATS quoted Prime Minister Klaus Tschuetscher as saying.

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2011/06/lichtenstein-approves-civil-unions.html

[Call Me Wesley]

1. Good for them, considering about 77% of the population is of catholic faith.

'Vox Populi' already threatens with a referendum, but good luck with that.

I have to say something about the 'exclusion of the right of adopting kids.' We're working on it. And what it really means is that a gay couple as a couple cannot adopt a kid. However, one of the partners can do, and if she/he dies, custody will go to the partner. So it's a bit grey and blurry and needs to be overwritten, of course. But legally, it does not mean you can't have a kid together; it's just not as clear.

It's like the time when it was illegal to sell weed, but perfectly fine if you grew it for your own pleasure. Swiss laws are sometimes funky, and sometimes nobody really cares. Worst thing that can happen, you get a fine.

I think 'Civil Union' here means something different than in the US (just the absence of any religious ceremony.) It's full marriage with all its rights. Heidi and I had a civil union and so do the majority here. You go to the town's clerk, get a form, fill it out, pay $ 150.-- ($ 100.-- is just for the flower bouquet, that obviously traditionally the clerk can keep,) say 'yes' with two witnesses, and you're married. Takes about 20 minutes.