Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine should openly discuss LGBTQ+ rights, stressing that those defending the country deserve equal rights as lawmakers continue debating legal recognition for same-sex couples.
Zelensky made the comments on 11 June during a cultural event in Kyiv, after being asked by Oleksandr Demenko, described as a veteran and head of an LGBTQ+ military and veterans NGO, whether Ukraine needs to “normalise LGBTQ+ topics” and help increase public tolerance.
“I believe that everything should be discussed openly with society, and that is completely normal,” Zelensky replied.
He also linked equality to Ukraine’s wartime unity.
“We are all here together, we are defending the state, we are the same and we have absolutely the same rights, regardless of any prejudices held by people from the 15th century. We are modern people,” he said.
Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not currently recognised under Ukrainian law.
Zelensky previously tasked the government with examining the introduction of civil partnerships and said in 2024 that he would sign a civil partnerships law if parliament approved it.
However, a draft law on civil partnerships later became stalled in parliament, despite some officials voicing support.
Civil partnerships and legal reform
Zelensky’s comments come as Ukraine’s parliament has pushed this spring to adopt an updated Civil Code, a process that has drawn criticism and debate.
The initial draft sparked backlash from around 30 civil society organisations, which warned that some provisions “contradict European standards” and “violate Ukraine’s commitments under its EU accession process.”
“The provisions that prevent courts from recognising the existence of family relations between people of the same sex are causing the greatest concern,” the statement read.
Public attitudes in Ukraine have also shifted in recent years.
A 2024 Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll found that more than 70% of Ukrainians believe LGBTQ+ people should have the same rights as others.
However, LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine continue to face threats and violence, particularly from far-right groups.
Parliament speaker meets LGBTQ+ NGOs
Also on 11 June, parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk met with LGBTQ+ NGO representatives to discuss changes linked to the Civil Code overhaul, according to a Facebook post from Stefanchuk.
“For us, it’s important to maintain an open and responsible dialogue on issues related to the individual, human dignity, private life, and equal rights,” Stefanchuk said.
He added that all proposals must be carefully reviewed.
“All proposals must be carefully reviewed, taking into account Ukraine’s Constitution, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, European standards, and the need for a proper social balance.”
For LGBTQ+ Ukrainians, including those serving in the military and defending the country, the debate remains urgent.
Zelensky’s comments signal a continued willingness to discuss equality openly, but legal recognition for same-sex couples still depends on parliament turning that discussion into law.
