Recognition of same-sex unions in Latvia

On 23 September 1999, the Latvian National Human Rights Office introduced a registered partnership bill to the Saeima. On 28 September, the proposal was sent to the Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee of the Saeima for discussion,{{Cite web |url=http://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/74.html#LV2 |title=LATVIA: PARTNERSHIP LAW PRESENTED TO THE MEDIA AND SENT TO PARLIAMENT |access-date=2010-01-01 |archive-date=2017-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831113109/https://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/74.html#LV2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/74.html#LV1 |title=LATVIA: PROGRESS ON PARTNERSHIP LAW |access-date=2010-01-01 |archive-date=2017-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831113109/https://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/74.html#LV1 |url-status=live }} but it was rejected by the commission on 30 November 1999.{{Cite web |url=http://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/76.html#LV |title=LATVIA KILLS PARTNER MEASURE |access-date=2010-01-01 |archive-date=2008-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921055848/http://www.france.qrd.org/assocs/ilga/euroletter/76.html#LV |url-status=live }} In January 2012, the Ombudsman's Office (the renamed National Human Rights Office since 2007) recommended that the Parliament reject registered partnership legislation.{{in lang|lv}} [http://www.tiesibsargs.lv/files/downloads/Partnerattiecibas_TS_vestule_Saeimai.doc Letter No. 1-8/4 to parliamentary committees on human rights and legal affairs by the Ombudsman J. Jansons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110060423/http://www.tiesibsargs.lv/files/downloads/Partnerattiecibas_TS_vestule_Saeimai.doc |date=2020-01-10 }} 26 January 2012 However, after Baltic Pride in June 2012, media revealed that the Ministry of Justice, led by Gaidis Bērziņš, was considering whether to recognise same-sex unions, either as unregistered cohabitation or as registered partnerships. Defence Minister Artis Pabriks expressed his support for registered partnerships.{{cite web |url=http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pabriks-latvijas-likumdosanu-nevar-balstit-uz-stereotipiem-un-idejam-par-politikas-un-baznicas-vienotibu.d?id=42403994 |title=Pabriks: Latvijas likumdošanu nevar balstīt uz stereotipiem un idejām par politikas un baznīcas vienotību |publisher=Delfi.lv |date=2 June 2012 |access-date=11 April 2014 |language=lv |archive-date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415114340/https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pabriks-latvijas-likumdosanu-nevar-balstit-uz-stereotipiem-un-idejam-par-politikas-un-baznicas-vienotibu.d?id=42403994 |url-status=live }} Mozaika, Latvia's largest LGBT rights organisation, estimated it would take approximately five years to obtain enough political support to pass the bill.{{cite web |url=http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/80402/mozaika-prognoze-partnerattiecibu-likuma-pienemsanu-tuvakaja-piecgade |title="Mozaīka" prognozē partnerattiecību likuma pieņemšanu tuvākajā piecgadē |publisher=Kasjauns.lv |date=7 May 2012 |access-date=11 April 2014 |language=lv |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409192837/http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/80402/mozaika-prognoze-partnerattiecibu-likuma-pienemsanu-tuvakaja-piecgade |url-status=live }}

In November 2014, while commenting on the coming out of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and on his call for the recognition of same-sex relationships in Latvia, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma reaffirmed her support for the constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage. She also admitted that "Latvian law has not yet resolved the question of partner-relationships", explaining that the non-recognition of unmarried couples "affects many in Latvia" regardless of sexual orientation and that protection of such families "needs to be discussed by both the community and the Saeima".{{cite web |url=http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/170271/straujuma-latvija-juridiski-nav-atrisinats-jautajums-par-partnerattiecibam |title=Straujuma: Latvijā jārada tiesisks regulējums visu veidu partnerattiecībām |publisher=Kasjauns.lv |date=7 November 2014 |access-date=9 November 2014 |language=lv |archive-date=1 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701160437/http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/170271/straujuma-latvija-juridiski-nav-atrisinats-jautajums-par-partnerattiecibam |url-status=live }} On 30 January 2015, Veiko Spolītis, an MP of the New Unity alliance, introduced a bill modifying the Civil Code to recognise same-sex partnerships. The proposed law would have allowed "any two persons" to register their partnership and enjoy almost all of the rights and obligations of marriage.{{cite web |url=http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/saeima-iesniedz-priekshlikumu-par-partnerattieciibu-legalizaciju.a115866/ |title=Saeimā iesniedz priekšlikumu par partnerattiecību legalizāciju |publisher=Latvijas Sabiedriskie mediji |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=8 February 2015 |language=lv |archive-date=23 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423063915/http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/saeima-iesniedz-priekshlikumu-par-partnerattieciibu-legalizaciju.a115866/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/latvian-parliament-consider-gender-neutral-partnership-law-2015090215|title=Latvian Parliament to consider gender neutral partnership law in 2015|publisher=Gay Star News|date=9 February 2015|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415151215/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/latvian-parliament-consider-gender-neutral-partnership-law-2015090215/|url-status=dead}} The proposal was rejected by the Legal Affairs Committee of the Saeima on 24 February 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/noraida-spoliisha-rosinajumu-ieviest-dzimumneitralu-partnerattieciibu-institutu.a119078/|title=Noraida Spolīša rosinājumu ieviest dzimumneitrālu partnerattiecību institūtu|publisher=Latvijas Sabiedriskie mediji|date=24 February 2015|language=lv|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419071050/http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/noraida-spoliisha-rosinajumu-ieviest-dzimumneitralu-partnerattieciibu-institutu.a119078/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/549085-saeima_noraida_rosinajumu_ieviest_dzimumneitralu_partnerattiecibu_institutu|title=Saeimā noraida rosinājumu ieviest dzimumneitrālu partnerattiecību institūtu|publisher=TV NET|date=24 February 2015|language=lv|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012100543/http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/549085-saeima_noraida_rosinajumu_ieviest_dzimumneitralu_partnerattiecibu_institutu|url-status=dead}}

On 23 March 2015, MP Juris Pūce of For Latvia's Development launched a signature collection campaign on ManaBalss.lv, calling for the passage of a cohabitation law in Latvia.{{cite web|url=http://bnn-news.com/coalition-sceptical-approving-cohabitation-law-126989|title=Coalition sceptical about approving Cohabitation law|publisher=Baltic News Network|date=24 March 2015 }} The signatures were submitted to the Saeima in January 2018. In March 2018, the Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee recommended 5–4 that the initiative be rejected by the Saeima; 5 of the 9 committee members voted to recommend rejection, while the 4 others wanted further consideration.{{in lang|lv}} [https://manabalss.lv/par-kopdzives-likuma-pienemsanu-latvija/show#news Saeimas Mandātu, ētikas un iesniegumu komisija šodien aicina Saeimai noraidīt iniciatīvu par Kopdzīves likumu!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305234620/https://manabalss.lv/par-kopdzives-likuma-pienemsanu-latvija/show#news |date=2016-03-05 }} In October 2018, the ombudsman called on lawmakers to pass a partnership law for opposite-sex and same-sex couples, citing statistics showing that about half of Latvian children were born out of wedlock, and arguing that these families should enjoy legal protection.{{Cite web |url=http://www.theioi.org/ioi-news/current-news/21st-century-family-requires-appropriate-legal-framework |title=21st century family requires appropriate legal framework |access-date=2019-02-20 |archive-date=2018-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111215359/http://www.theioi.org/ioi-news/current-news/21st-century-family-requires-appropriate-legal-framework |url-status=live }} On 20 June 2019, MPs voted against sending the bill to further review in parliamentary committees; only 23 members voted for the bill, 60 voted against it and one member abstained. The Development/For! and New Unity alliances and some Social Democrats supported the bill, while the remaining Social Democrats, Who Owns the State?, the New Conservative Party, the National Alliance and the Union of Greens and Farmers as well as several independents were opposed.{{cite web|url=https://bnn-news.com/latvia-rejects-unmarried-couple-s-law-intended-for-cohabiting-partners-202120|title=Latvia rejects Unmarried Couple's Law intended for cohabiting partners|work=Baltic News Network|date=20 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621041710/https://bnn-news.com/latvia-rejects-unmarried-couple-s-law-intended-for-cohabiting-partners-202120|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=33886|title=Lesbisch-schwule Paare in Lettland weiterhin ohne Rechte|work=Queer.de|date=20 June 2019|language=de|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-date=20 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620234612/https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=33886|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/saeima-rejects-civil-partnership-bill.a323085/|title=Saeima rejects civil partnership bill|work=Public Broadcasting of Latvia|date=20 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-date=22 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622074957/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/saeima-rejects-civil-partnership-bill.a323085/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.apollo.lv/6711993/saeima-noraida-dzivesbiedru-likumprojektu|title=Saeima noraida Dzīvesbiedru likumprojektu|work=apollo.lv|date=20 June 2019|language=lv|access-date=25 June 2019|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621180618/https://www.apollo.lv/6711993/saeima-noraida-dzivesbiedru-likumprojektu|url-status=live}} Supporters of the bill said they would "persevere" and persuade lawmakers to discuss it again in the future.{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/neraugoties-uz-saeimas-balsojumu-par-dzivesbiedru-likumu-iniciatori-sola-neapstaties.d?|title=Neraugoties uz Saeimas balsojumu par Dzīvesbiedru likumu, iniciatori sola neapstāties|work=Delfi.lv|date=20 June 2019|last=Dzērve|first=Laura|language=lv}}{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/rinkevics-par-dzivesbiedru-likumu-zaudeta-kauja-nenozime-zaudetu-karu.d?id=51213621|title=Rinkēvičs par Dzīvesbiedru likumu - zaudēta kauja nenozīmē zaudētu karu|work=Delfi.lv|date=22 June 2019|language=lv|access-date=26 June 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624182818/https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/rinkevics-par-dzivesbiedru-likumu-zaudeta-kauja-nenozime-zaudetu-karu.d?id=51213621|url-status=live}}

On 29 October 2020, the Saeima voted 30–55 to reject a popular initiative entitled "Registration of same-sex partners" ({{lang|lv|Viendzimuma partneru reģistrēšana}}),{{cite web|url=https://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS13/SaeimaLIVS2_DK.nsf/0/63A050D6323FA2D3C22586170040B4AD?OpenDocument|title=Voting results|publisher=Saeima|language=lv|date=29 October 2020|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131036/https://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS13/SaeimaLIVS2_DK.nsf/0/63A050D6323FA2D3C22586170040B4AD?OpenDocument|url-status=live}} signed by 10,392 citizens, calling for the passage of a civil union law.{{Cite web|title=Saeima noraida pilsoņu iniciatīvu par viendzimuma partneru attiecību reģistrēšanu|trans-title=Saeima reject a popular initiative about registration of same-sex relationships|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-noraida-pilsonu-iniciativu-par-viendzimuma-partneru-attiecibu-registresanu.a379760/|access-date=2021-06-21|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131033/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-noraida-pilsonu-iniciativu-par-viendzimuma-partneru-attiecibu-registresanu.a379760/|url-status=live}} That same day, the authors of the initiative started a new petition, called "For Legal Protection of All Families" ({{lang|lv|Par Visu Ģimeņu Tiesisko Aizsardzību}}), which had been signed by 23,392 citizens by March 2022.{{Cite web|title=PAR VISU ĢIMEŅU TIESISKO AIZSARDZĪBU|url=https://manabalss.lv/par-visu-gimenu-tiesisko-aizsardzibu/show?locale=lv|access-date=2021-06-21|website=ManaBalss.lv - līdzdalības platforma|language=lv|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131035/https://manabalss.lv/par-visu-gimenu-tiesisko-aizsardzibu/show?locale=lv|url-status=live}}

On 12 November 2020, the Constitutional Court of Latvia ruled that the labour law violated Article 110 of the Constitution of Latvia, as it did not provide parental leave to the non-biological parent in a same-sex relationship. Although Article 110 has defined marriage as "a union between a man and a woman" since 2006, the term "family" is not explicitly defined. The court held that the family is not solely a union based on marriage, but a social institution formed by close personal ties based on understanding and respect. The court ruled that the Constitution requires the state to protect same-sex partners, and gave the Saeima until 1 June 2022 to amend the labour law and introduce a measure to legally protect same-sex couples.{{Cite web|title=Satversmes tiesa atzīst viendzimuma pāra tiesības uz bērna dzimšanas atvaļinājumu|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/satversmes-tiesaatzist-viendzimuma-para-tiesibas-uz-berna-dzimsanas-atvalinajumu.a381484/|access-date=2022-02-11|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131035/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/satversmes-tiesaatzist-viendzimuma-para-tiesibas-uz-berna-dzimsanas-atvalinajumu.a381484/|url-status=live}} The Supreme Court ruled in December 2021 that should the government fail to provide a way for same-sex partners to register their relationship by the 1 June deadline, couples would be able to have their relationship recognized by a court.{{Cite web|title=Kamēr valsts nav noregulējusi viendzimuma pāru attiecību reģistrācijas jautājumu, to varētu darīt ar tiesas spriedumiem|url=https://www.diena.lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/kamer-valsts-nav-noregulejusi-viendzimuma-paru-attiecibu-registracijas-jautajumu-to-varetu-darit-ar-tiesas-spriedumiem-14272329|access-date=2022-02-11|website=www.diena.lv|archive-date=2023-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131191939/https://www.diena.lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/kamer-valsts-nav-noregulejusi-viendzimuma-paru-attiecibu-registracijas-jautajumu-to-varetu-darit-ar-tiesas-spriedumiem-14272329|url-status=live}} On 2 February 2022, the Ministry of Justice, led by Dzintars Rasnačs, presented a civil union bill that would have provided same-sex couples with some of the rights and benefits of marriage.{{Cite web|last=Spalvēns|first=Raivis|date=2022-02-01|title=Viena dzimuma pāru tiesības rosina regulēt ar Civilās savienības likumu|url=https://www.delfi.lv/a/54008062|access-date=2022-02-11|website=delfi.lv|language=lv}} The second largest parliamentary group in the Saeima, the New Conservative Party, announced its support for the bill, despite the party having opposed all previous attempts to establish civil unions. Leader of the Social Democratic Party Jānis Urbanovičs also indicated that the bill might receive broader support from the members of his parliamentary group.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-05|title=JKP konceptuāli atbalsta Civilās savienības likumu|url=https://ltv.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/05.02.2022-jkp-konceptuali-atbalsta-civilas-savienibas-likumu.id251774|access-date=2022-02-11|website=ltv.lsm.lv|language=lv|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131035/https://ltv.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/05.02.2022-jkp-konceptuali-atbalsta-civilas-savienibas-likumu.id251774|url-status=live}}

On 31 March 2022, the Saeima sent the civil union bill to the Legal Affairs Committee and approved it in first reading, with those opposed boycotting the vote in hopes that the Saeima would fail to meet the necessary quorum, but ultimately failing with exactly half of all MPs participating in the vote.{{Cite web|date=2022-03-31|title=Saeimā konceptuāli atbalsta Civilās savienības likumu viendzimuma pāru ģimeņu aizsardzībai|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-konceptuali-atbalsta-civilas-savienibas-likumu-viendzimuma-paru-gimenu-aizsardzibai.a450474|access-date=2022-03-31|website=ltv.lsm.lv|language=lv}}

The bill's final reading was blocked on 2 June due to a lack of quorum, as only 40 MPs participated in the vote, and Speaker Ināra Mūrniece ended the parliamentary session without the bill being passed. The legislation was placed on the agenda for a future sitting of Parliament, and needed to pass before the parliamentary election held on 1 October 2022. As a result, the 1 June deadline by the Constitutional Court expired, meaning that same-sex couples could now apply with a court to request recognition of their relationship and enjoy some of the benefits and obligations offered by marriage. The Vice-President of the Constitutional Court, Irēna Kucina, said that "institutions and administrative courts will apply the Constitution directly". On 30 May, the Administrative District Court in Riga granted the first application from a same-sex couple and recognised the "public legal existence" of their relationship, concluding that the couple had a "relationship that fits the definition outlined in Article 110 of the Constitution". The court lamented that the Saeima had not "fulfilled its duty".{{cite web|url=https://bnn-news.com/latvian-saeima-does-not-pass-civil-union-law-235175|title=Latvian Saeima does not pass Civil Union Law|website=Baltic News Network|date=2 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://neatkariga.nra.lv/politika/382761-civilas-savienibas-likumu-aptur-ar-retu-instrumentu-saeimas-sedes-slegsanu-kvoruma-trukuma-del|title=Civilās savienības likumu aptur ar retu instrumentu – Saeimas sēdes slēgšanu kvoruma trūkuma dēļ|website=Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze|date=3 June 2022|language=lv}}{{cite web|url= https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/court-legally-recognizes-same-sex-relationship-for-the-first-time-in-latvia.a459319/|title= Court legally recognizes same-sex relationship for the first time in Latvia|work=LSM.lv|date=31 May 2022}} The Administrative District Court had recognized four same-sex couples by 8 July 2022,{{cite web|url=https://www.baltictimes.com/court_recognizes_another_same-sex_couple_as_legitimate_family/|title=Court recognizes another same-sex couple as legitimate family|work=Baltic Times|date=8 July 2022|access-date=12 August 2022|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320192644/https://www.baltictimes.com/court_recognizes_another_same-sex_couple_as_legitimate_family/|url-status=live}} and 16 couples by 28 October 2022.{{cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/court-has-recognized-16-same-sex-families-so-far-in-latvia.a479992/|title=Court has recognized 16 same-sex families so far in Latvia|work=Latvian Public Broadcasting|date=28 October 2022|access-date=29 October 2022|archive-date=3 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203030323/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/court-has-recognized-16-same-sex-families-so-far-in-latvia.a479992/|url-status=live}}

The proposed legislation in the Saeima would have established civil unions providing some of the rights, obligations and benefits of marriage, including in the areas of inheritance and tax. The bill would have also allowed same-sex partners to obtain information on the health of a hospitalised partner and make emergency health decisions, receive benefits in the event their partner dies, and claim care for their partner in the event that they have a disability. Civil unions would have been open to all adult citizens and non-residents of Latvia, including refugees and stateless people, but would not have been allowed to persons who are already married, in another civil union or who are blood relatives or related by adoption. They would have been registered and dissolved using a procedure similar to that for civil marriage. However, the bill would have not allowed same-sex couples to share a common surname or to adopt. In addition, parties to a civil union would not have automatically become heirs to the common property, but the partners would have been able to draw up a will or a contract of inheritance to legally contract for how their protected common property would have been divided before any eventual separation.{{cite web|url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/506334-kas-isti-ir-civila-savieniba|title=Kas īsti ir "civilā savienība"?|website=Jauns.lv|date=12 June 2022|language=lv}}

On 6 December 2022, following the October elections and the formation of a new government, the Legal Affairs Committee rejected the proposed civil union bill. However, registering a relationship with the courts was still possible.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-06 |title=Saeima's Legal Affairs Committee throws away initiative for legal protection of all families |url=https://bnn-news.com/saeimas-legal-affairs-committee-throws-away-initiative-for-legal-protection-of-all-families-240703 |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Baltic News Network |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213043749/https://bnn-news.com/saeimas-legal-affairs-committee-throws-away-initiative-for-legal-protection-of-all-families-240703 |url-status=live }} In January 2023, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights ruled in Fedotova and Others v. Russia that Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees a right to private and family life, places a positive obligation on all member states of the Council of Europe to recognize same-sex partnerships.{{cite web|url=https://eulawlive.com/ecthr-refusal-of-any-form-of-legal-recognition-and-protection-for-same-sex-couples-breaches-convention/|title=ECtHR: refusal of any form of legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples breaches Convention|date=17 January 2023|work=EU Law Live}}

Following Krišjānis Kariņš' resignation as prime minister in August 2023, a new government, led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and consisting of the New Unity, the Union of Greens and Farmers and The Progressives, was sworn in on 15 September 2023. A political analyst said, "The most significant policy shift could be the new government’s intention to legislate on human rights, such as to try to allow marriages for same-sex couples [sic]."{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/world/latvias-parliament-approves-new-government/1764022/|title=Latvia's parliament approves new government|work=The Print|date=15 September 2023}} Leader of The Progressives Kaspars Briškens said there was "a willingness [in the government] to work on a new Law on Cohabitation for same-sex persons".{{cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/05.09.2023-progressives-hopeful-for-new-same-sex-partnership-law.a522723/|title=Progressives hopeful for new same-sex partnership law|work=Latvian Public Broadcasting|date=5 September 2023}} On 26 October 2023, the New Unity alliance proposed a newly-drafted legislative package recognising same-sex unions. The legislation would establish civil partnerships ({{langx|lv|civilā partnerība}},{{cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-sak-skatit-civilas-savienibas-likumu-viendzimuma-paru-gimenu-aizsardzibai.a450431/|title=Saeimā sāk skatīt Civilās savienības likumu viendzimuma pāru ģimeņu aizsardzībai|work=LSM.lv|language=lv|date=31 March 2024}} {{IPA|lv|ˈtsivilaː ˈpartneriːba|pron}}){{efn|{{langx|ru|гражданское партнёрство}}, {{transliteration|ru|graždánskoje partnjórstvo}}, {{IPA|ru|ɡrɐʐˈdanskə.jə pɐrtˈnʲɵrstvə|pron}}; {{langx|ltg|civilā savīneiba}}; {{langx|liv|kubsjelāmilieppimi}}}} providing the same rights and benefits as marriage with the exception of adoption and inheritance rights. On 30 October, Prime Minister Siliņa announced that the coalition government had decided to support the bill. She added that there was unanimous backing from The Progressives and the Union of Greens and Farmers, as well as Independent MP Oļegs Burovs, who had previously opposed same-sex unions.{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/193/politics/56067518/saeima-nonak-likumprojektu-pakotne-par-partneribas-ieviesanu|title=Saeimā nonāk likumprojektu pakotne par partnerības ieviešanu|work=Delfi|date=30 October 2023}} On 2 November, the legislation passed its first reading in the Saeima by a 53–40 vote, with all 52 coalition MPs and Burovs voting in favour.{{cite web|url=https://zinas.tv3.lv/latvija/vesturisks-bridis-saeima-konceptuali-atbalsta-partneribas-instituta-ieviesanu/|title=Vēsturisks brīdis: Saeima konceptuāli atbalsta partnerības institūta ieviešanu|work=TV3 News|date=2 November 2023}} On 9 November, the legislation passed its second and final reading in the Saeima by a 53–43 vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/latvian-parliament-legalises-same-sex-partnerships-2023-11-09/|title=Latvian parliament legalises same-sex partnerships|work=Reuters|date=9 November 2023|access-date=2023-11-09|archive-date=2023-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109180817/https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/latvian-parliament-legalises-same-sex-partnerships-2023-11-09/|url-status=live}}

However, 34 opposition MPs tabled a motion asking President Edgars Rinkēvičs to delay promulgating the bill until January 2024. Opponents were seeking to collect 154,241 signatures (10% of voters) in order to proceed with a referendum on the civil union law. Rinkēvičs reacted, "This [suspension of publication of the law] will be done in accordance with the Constitution. Saeima deputies have the right to exercise their constitutional rights, and now, the society, citizens of Latvia, have two months to support this idea or not." Prime Minister Siliņa welcomed the law's passage, tweeting, "This is a good day. Society has taken an important step in creating a modern and humane Latvia."{{cite web|url= https://uk.news.yahoo.com/latvia-legalises-same-sex-civil-120421674.html|work=Yahoo News UK|date=10 November 2023|first=Ethan|last=Moser|title= Latvia legalises same-sex civil unions with landmark parliament vote}} The Central Election Commission reported on 26 December that 16,170 signatures had been collected by then.{{cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/26.12.2023-little-chance-of-referendum-to-repeal-partnership-law-in-latvia.a536733/|title=Little chance of referendum to repeal partnership law in Latvia|work=LSM.lv|date=26 December 2023}} Only 35,191 signatures had been collected by the deadline on 5 January 2024, meaning that the referendum initiative had failed.{{Cite web |title=Parakstus referenduma rīkošanai nesavāc – partnerattiecību regulējums jūlijā stāsies spēkā |url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/05.01.2024-parakstus-referenduma-rikosanai-nesavac-partnerattiecibu-regulejums-julija-stasies-speka.a537833/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.lsm.lv |language=lv}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/11.01.2024-cvk-oficiali-apstiprina-referenduma-par-partneribas-regulejumu-nebus.a538599/|title=CVK oficiāli apstiprina – referenduma par partnerības regulējumu nebūs|work=LSM.lv|date=11 January 2024}} The bill was subsequently signed into law by Rinkēvičs and took effect on 1 July 2024.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119124946/https://www.tvnet.lv/7941868/rinkevics-izsludina-likuma-grozijumus-partneribas-instituta-ieviesanai|archive-date=19 January 2024|url=https://www.tvnet.lv/7941868/rinkevics-izsludina-likuma-grozijumus-partneribas-instituta-ieviesanai|date=19 January 2024|language=lv|work=TVNET|title=Rinkēvičs izsludina likuma grozījumus partnerības institūta ieviešanai}} The first civil partnership was performed in Riga on 1 July between Maksims Ringo and Jānis Locs.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/latvian-couple-become-first-register-same-sex-partnership-under-new-law-2024-07-01/|title=Latvian couple become first to register same-sex partnership under new law|first=Janis|last=Laizans|date=1 July 2024|work=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://zinas.tv3.lv/900-sekundes/beidzot-eksistejam-janis-un-maksims-lepojas-but-latvija-pirmais-registretais-viendzimuma-paris/|language=lv|title="Beidzot eksistējam," Jānis un Maksims lepojas būt Latvijā pirmais reģistrētais viendzimuma pāris|work=tv3.lv|date=1 July 2024}}

613 partnerships had been registered by July 2025, of which 235 were between same-sex couples.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltictimes.com/235_same-sex_partnerships_registered_in_latvia_in_a_year/|title=235 same-sex partnerships registered in Latvia in a year|date=1 July 2025|work=The Baltic Times}}

{{Same-sex marriage map Europe|align=right}}

In December 2005, the Saeima voted 65–5 to approve an amendment to the Constitution of Latvia banning same-sex marriage.{{cite news|title=Latvia cements gay marriage ban|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4531560.stm|date=December 15, 2005|publisher=BBC|archive-date=January 2, 2007|access-date=December 22, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102033702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4531560.stm|url-status=live}} The amendment took effect on 17 January 2006. Article 110 reads:{{cite web|url=https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=57980|title=Latvijas Republikas Satversme|work=Likumi.lv|language=lv|access-date=12 November 2023|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620060331/https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=57980|url-status=live}} "The State shall protect and support marriage — a union between a man and a woman, the family, the rights of parents and rights of the child".{{efn|{{langx|lv|Valsts aizsargā un atbalsta laulību — savienību starp vīrieti un sievieti, ģimeni, vecāku un bērna tiesības.}}
{{langx|ru|Государство защищает и поддерживает брак – союз между мужчиной и женщиной, семью, права родителей и детей.}}
{{langx|liv|Vald kāitsõb ja tigūb abjelāmiz — īt mīe ja naiz vailõ, aimõ, vaņīmiz ja laps õigiži.}}{{cite web|url=https://lvportals.lv/wwwraksti/LVPORTALS/LIBIESU.PDF|title=Lețmō Republik Pūojpandõks|work=lvportals.lv|language=liv|access-date=12 November 2023}}}}

On 5 June 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of a Romanian-American same-sex couple seeking recognition of their marriage in Romania, so that the American partner could reside in the country. The court held in Coman and Others v General Inspectorate for Immigration and Ministry of the Interior that European Union (EU) member states must uphold the freedom of movement and residency rights of same-sex spouses, provided that one partner is an EU citizen.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-court-lgbt/eu-states-must-recognize-foreign-same-sex-marriages-court-idUSKCN1J11LI EU states must recognize foreign same-sex marriages: court] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202040639/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-court-lgbt/eu-states-must-recognize-foreign-same-sex-marriages-court-idUSKCN1J11LI |date=2018-12-02 }}, Reuters, June 5, 2018[https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rights-same-sex-married-couples-122715174.html?guccounter=1 Rights for same-sex married couples to move around the EU confirmed in landmark ruling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216215529/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/rights-same-sex-married-couples-122715174.html?guccounter=1 |date=2019-12-16 }}, Yahoo News, June 6, 2018{{cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/rights-for-same-sex-married-couples-to-move-around-the-eu-confirmed-in-landmark-ruling-96387|title=Rights for same-sex married couples to move around the EU confirmed in landmark ruling|work=The Conversation|author=Alina Tryfonidou|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429011408/https://theconversation.com/rights-for-same-sex-married-couples-to-move-around-the-eu-confirmed-in-landmark-ruling-96387|url-status=live}} While EU member states may choose whether to legalise same-sex marriage, they cannot restrict the right of residence for EU citizens and their spouses. The ECJ also clarified that the term "spouse" is gender-neutral and does not necessarily refer to someone of the opposite sex.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44366898|title=Same-sex spouses have equal residency rights|work=BBC News|date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018|archive-date=May 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508223531/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44366898|url-status=live}} The Latvian Government and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs announced their intention to abide by the ruling. Later that same month, a Russian national, who had married her Latvian same-sex partner in Portugal, received a residence permit, allowing her to reside with her spouse in Latvia.{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/es-tiesas-spriedums-laulato-draugu-adriana-un-kleija-izcinita-kopabusana.d?id=50124366|title=ES Tiesas spriedums: laulāto draugu Adriana un Kleija izcīnītā kopābūšana|publisher=DELFI|date=15 June 2018|language=lv|access-date=6 February 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423035532/https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/es-tiesas-spriedums-laulato-draugu-adriana-un-kleija-izcinita-kopabusana.d?id=50124366|url-status=live}}

In 2015, two same-sex couples attempted to register their marriages at the Registry Office in Riga, which refused citing Latvia's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The Administrative District Court, and later the Administrative Regional Court, ruled against the couples, holding that the recognition of same-sex marriage was not possible in Latvia and that this was a matter for the Parliament to address. In May 2016, the Supreme Court of Latvia overturned the Administrative Regional Court's decision.{{Cite web|title=Lietā par viena dzimuma pāra ģimenes juridisku atzīšanu Senāts vēršas ar pieteikumu Satversmes tiesā |url=https://www.at.gov.lv/en/jaunumi/par-tiesu-lietam/administrativo-lietu-departamenta/lieta-par-viena-dzimuma-para-gimenes-juridisku-atzisanu-senats-versas-ar-pieteikumu-satversmes-tiesa-10667?year=2021&month=06 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=AT.GOV.LV |language=lv}} A court press spokeswoman said that the Supreme Court agreed with the administrative courts that current regulations do not allow for same-sex marriages to be legally recognized in Latvia; however, the matter "should have been considered in a context not of marriage, but of registering familial partnership". Additionally, it "would have been impossible to conclude whether the applicants' rights had been violated unless their claim was accepted and reviewed in a proper manner."{{cite web |url=http://www.lsm.lv/en/article/societ/society/supreme-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-request-will-be-considered.a184891/ |title=Supreme Court rules same-sex marriage request will be considered |publisher=Public Broadcasting of Latvia |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=8 June 2016 |archive-date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173216/http://www.lsm.lv/en/article/societ/society/supreme-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-request-will-be-considered.a184891/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2021, the Supreme Court submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court of Latvia and stayed proceedings in the case.{{cite court |litigants=Latvijas Republikas Senāta Administratīvo lietu departamenta |vol=Lieta Nr. [..], SKA-[B]/2021 |court=Satversmes tiesa |date=2021-06-07 |url=https://www.at.gov.lv/downloadlawfile/7134 }} The Constitution Court had already ruled in November 2020 that the Constitution imposes an obligation on the Parliament to establish a legal framework for same-sex unions. In July 2021, the Constitutional Court rejected the petition, stating that the Supreme Court had not properly explained why its November 2020 ruling was not applicable in this case. Subsequently, the Supreme Court ruled in December 2021 that couples could register civil partnerships with the courts, even in the absence of specific legislation. It ruled that same-sex couples could ask regional courts to recognize their relationships in line with the Law on Registration of Civil Status Acts ({{langx|lv| Civilstāvokļa aktu reģistrācijas likums}}) if the Saeima failed to adopt legislation protecting same-sex couples. The court held that, "The obligation to ensure the legal protection of same-sex couples also follows from the principle of human dignity, which requires recognizing the inherent dignity and equal value of each human being."{{Cite web |title=Nodod jaunai izskatīšanai lietu par viena dzimuma pāra ģimenes juridisku atzīšanu |url=https://juristavards.lv/zinas/280193-nodod-jaunai-izskatisanai-lietu-par-viena-dzimuma-para-gimenes-juridisku-atzisanu/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=JURISTAVARDS.LV |language=lv}} The ruling states:{{cite court |litigants=Anon vs. Birth Registry |vol=Lieta Nr. [..], SKA-[B1]/2021 |court=Latvijas Republikas Senāta Administratīvo lietu departamenta |date=2021-06-07 |url=https://www.at.gov.lv/files/uploads/files/3_Jaunumi/Par_tiesas_sedem/SKA-B1-2021.docx }}

{{Blockquote |text=Until Parliament has created an appropriate legal framework, a judgment establishing that the relationships of certain persons are to be recognized as family relationships within the meaning of Article 110 of the Constitution will replace the registration of these relationships by the State. […] Summarizing the above, it can be concluded that the first sentence of Article 110 of the Constitution, in conjunction with the principle of human dignity, establishes a legal obligation on the State to ensure legal recognition of the family relations of same-sex couples. In the absence of a specific legal framework, the law enforcer, including the court, is obliged to ensure the effective implementation of the Constitution and human rights. […] Therefore, the judgment of the regional court is annulled.}}

The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 19% of Latvians supported same-sex marriage.{{Cite web |url=http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf |title=DISCRIMINATION IN THE EU IN 2015 |access-date=2018-05-06 |archive-date=2016-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122075042/http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf |url-status=dead }} In 2019, the Eurobarometer showed that support had increased to 24%, while 70% were opposed.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|title=Eurobarometer on Discrimination 2019: The social acceptance of LGBTI people in the EU|publisher=European Commission|work=TNS|access-date=23 September 2019|page=2|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216133347/https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|url-status=live}}

A GLOBSEC survey conducted in March 2023 showed that 40% of Latvians supported same-sex marriage, while 46% were opposed and 14% were undecided.{{cite web|url=https://www.globsec.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/GLOBSEC%20Trends%202023.pdf|title=GLOBSEC Trends 2023|work=GLOBSEC|page=75|date=2023}} The 2023 Eurobarometer found that 36% of Latvians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 59% were opposed. The survey also found that 35% of Latvians thought that "there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex", while 59% disagreed.{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|title=Eurobarometer 2023: Discrimination in the European Union|access-date=1 January 2024|work=europa.eu|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229080848/https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|url-status=live}}

• LGBT rights in Latvia
• Recognition of same-sex unions in Lithuania
• Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe
• Same-sex marriage in Estonia
• Same-sex union court cases

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Category:LGBTQ rights in Latvia

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