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
DESS expert tells US State Department reps about religious freedom in Ukraine
Andriy Smirnov held a meeting with staff of the US State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom.
Eight people killed in drone strike on monastery in Ethiopia
Two nuns and six priests were killed in the strike on the monastery; several more people were seriously injured.
Church commemorates St. Seraphim of Sarov
The venerable saint began his path of asceticism after a pilgrimage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and prayer before the Caves saints.
DESS responds to statements by UOC lawyers
Yelensky’s agency claimed that the UOC’s lawyers are “discrediting” Ukraine’s leadership and spreading “disinformation.”
Lawyers collect statements from faithful to defend Kyiv Metropolia in court
UOC lawyers have prepared a procedure enabling clergy and laypeople to take part in the court proceedings over the DESS lawsuit.
UOC faithful make pilgrimage to Georgia’s holy sites
The pilgrims visited churches and monasteries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and at the foot of Mount Kazbek.