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Romania’s top court has given a green light to a referendum that could make it harder for same-sex marriage to be legalised in the country.
The Constitutional Court ruled there is no legal impediment to the 7 October national vote to amend the constitutional definition of “family” from a union of “spouses” to one between a man and woman only.
Romania does not recognise gay marriage or offer legal protection to same-sex couples, and is one of a handful of EU states that do not offer civil partnerships.Senators approved the referendum last week, after three million Romanians signed a petition demanding the constitutional change.Some politicians in the socially conservative eastern European country – where the Orthodox Church holds significant influence – want the constitution to be changed on religious grounds.
Several rights groups advocating for equality for same-sex couples including Amnesty International and ILGA-Europe – the European branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – have condemned the referendum.
Sky News
