Recognition of Same-sex Relationships
In 2003, one year after the first LGBT pride in Croatia, then ruling coalition consisted of mostly centre-left parties, has managed to agree and passed a law on same-sex unions. The law granted same-sex partners who have been cohabiting for at least 3 years similar rights as enjoyed by unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex partners in terms of inheritance and financial support, but not right to adopt or any other right included in family law as this law was not part of it, but rather separate law has been created. Registering those relationship was not allowed nor they include rights in terms of tax, joint properties, health insurance, pensions etc. .
In early 2005 Croatian Parliament rejected registered partnerships proposed by Šime Lučin (SDP) and independent Ivo Banac. MP Lucija Čikeš, a member of then ruling HDZ, called for the proposal to be dropped because "all universe is heterosexual, from an atom and the smallest particle, from a fly to an elephant". Another HDZ MP objected on grounds "85% of the population considers itself Catholic and the Church is against heterosexual and homosexual equality". Medical profession, physical profession, and media did not support these statements, warning that all the members of Parliament have duty to vote according to the Constitution which bans discrimination.
On 11 May 2012, Croatian prime minister Zoran Milanović announced further expansion of rights for same-sex relationships with the equivalent rights and responsibilities to those of marriage, apart from adoption. It is almost certain that LGBT adoption will not be legal, but he did say that step-child adoption will be considered. At this point it is not known which of the well-known terms such as civil union or registered partnership will be used (one of the proposed ones is "life partnership"), but it is certain that Croatian family law will not be modified for this purpose, but rather new law dealing with this issue will be introduced, thus implying that term marriage will not be used. Aside from ruling coalition, support for this law is also announced from the Labour party, and independent Rev. Ivan Grubišić.
Read more about this topic: LGBT Rights In Croatia
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