Friday, June 7, 2013

Romania Bans Gay Marriage in New Constitution; Defines Marriage as Union of a Man and a Woman

An amendment to Romania's new constitution -- backed by members of parliament and the Greek Orthodox Church -- defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman alone, the Balkan Insight website reports today (June 7, 2013).

Previously, Romania's constitution used only the words "between spouses" when referring to the marriage partners.

Civic activists called the proposed change in the constitution a backward development. "While 16 countries in Europe already recognize marriage or civil partnership between persons of the same sex, Romania is now forbidding it," Remus Cernea, a politician and rights activist, said.

The Orthodox Church has often expressed disapproval of same-sex partnerships. More than 85 percent of Romania's population of 19.5 million belong to the Orthodox Church, which enjoys high levels of trust in the public. Moreover, none of Romania's major political parties -- either in government or in opposition -- supports same-sex marriage, or registered partnerships, or has proposed any law on the subject.

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