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.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.