In a historic move, Estonia has become the first former Soviet republic to legalise same-sex marriage.
The country’s parliament passed the legislation with a 55 to 34 vote in its 101-seat parliament in June 2023. The law officially took effect on New Year’s Day, 2023, enabling same-sex couples in Estonia to start registering their marriage applications online, with the first applications expected to be processed by early February.
The Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo, expressed hope that the new law would help dispel unfounded fears and demonstrate that the legislation is about adding value to many lives, not taking something away. Keio Soomelt, the project manager for the Baltic Pride festival, hailed the decision as a significant step towards equality, emphasising its importance to the LGBT+ community in terms of recognition and equality.
Marielle Tuum, a Tallinn-based teacher planning to marry her German partner, expressed her joy at being able to have a meaningful wedding in her home country, noting a positive change in public attitudes towards same-sex couples in Estonia over the past decade.
The move was also endorsed by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who took to social media to encourage other Central European nations to support marriage and love for all. She emphasised the creation of a society where everyone’s rights are respected, and people can love freely.
Estonia’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage marks a significant step in the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, especially within the context of former Soviet states.
