Same-sex marriage law comes into force in Estonia

Estonia has legalized same-sex marriages. Photo: svoboda.org

As of January 1, Estonia's law on marriage equality has come into effect, allowing two consenting adults to marry regardless of their gender, reports The Guardian.

Thus, Estonia has become the first country in the post-Soviet space to recognize same-sex marriages.

The decision on marriage equality was adopted by the Estonian Parliament in June of last year. Out of 101 deputies, 55 supported the law, 34 opposed it, and the rest abstained or did not participate in the vote.

As earlier reported, Estonia's new law grants same-sex couples the right to joint adoption. A same-sex spouse will have the right to adopt the child of their spouse with the consent of the biological parent.

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