In these cases, same-sex couples demand the registration of a civil partnership, the inclusion of a marriage concluded abroad in the civil registry, the recognition and registration of a same-sex marriage in Lithuania.
In another case, a same-sex couple demands to ensure the rights to the child of the mother who gave birth to it.
As indicated in the report of the initiator of the appeal to the ECHR, this step was prompted by the Lithuanian courts’ “inability to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people and ensure the equality of all its citizens.”
Artūras Rudomanskis, chairman of the Association of Tolerant Youth, told BNS that in these cases the Lithuanian courts of different instances have rejected the requests of same-sex couples.
According to the report, the Constitutional Court will also be approached regarding the clarification of the definition of marriage.
“The litigation marathon of the year clearly shows the reasons why there is so little trust in the courts in Lithuania. International law does not work in Lithuania,” said Martynas Norbutas, one of the applicants, at a press conference on Friday.
“For the first time in the history of Lithuania, the Ministry of Justice supported same-sex families, which is very gratifying. However, Lithuanian courts seem to prefer Russia’s position in the field of family law. So we will strive for equality with the help of international institutions”, said A. Rudomanskis.
According to the report, out of 27 European Union countries, 16 have legalized same-sex marriages. 24 out of 27 EU member states recognize some form of same-sex family.
Currently, partnerships are not legalized in Lithuania, neither for a man and a woman, nor for same-sex couples. Previous attempts to do so in parliament were unsuccessful.
The Law on Civil Union currently under consideration in the Seimas has passed the consideration stage.
