Estonia’s approval of same-sex marriage is an important step towards equality

A law recognizing same-sex marriage has come into force in Estonia.

As of January 1, Estonia made history by becoming the first former Soviet republic to officially legalize same-sex marriage, according to The Guardian and Delfi. Social Protection Minister Signe Riisalo welcomed the groundbreaking development as a solution to years of legal uncertainty, providing a newfound sense of security and equal rights for all Estonians.

“These laws bring clarity and influence our beliefs. I hope they will dispel unfounded fears and critics of this decision will understand that not only does it not limit anyone’s rights, but it also provides an important opportunity for many of us,” said Signe Riisalo.

Estonia has simplified the process: online registration of same-sex marriages reduced

In Estonia, same-sex couples can now apply for marriage online. Initial applications of this nature will be reviewed and approved by February 2, which will be a significant improvement since the typical processing time for such applications is one to six months.

Mariel Tuum, a 24-year-old teacher living in Tallinn, shared her thoughts, noting: “Ten years ago, I didn’t see so many same-sex couples openly holding hands in public. In modern Estonia, people have become more open.”

Support for same-sex marriage in Estonia continues to grow, as shown by the results of a survey by the Estonian Human Rights Center this year. The statistics, with 53% of Estonians expressing their support, represents a significant improvement compared to public opinion ten years ago, when only 34% expressed support for this initiative.

This gradual increase shows that the issue of same-sex marriage is becoming more relevant and receiving more positive responses in society. This can also be considered an indicator of changing cultural and social norms in Estonia towards a more inclusive and tolerant society, where equal rights are recognized and supported by an increasing number of people.

Estonia: supporting same-sex marriage is a step towards an inclusive future

This trend also sends an important message that attention to the rights and freedoms of all its members makes a society stronger and more cohesive. It reflects the awareness that families and relationships can be diverse and unique, and it is important that everyone has an equal opportunity to create their own happy family, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

Ultimately, the increase in support for same-sex marriage in Estonia demonstrates society’s commitment to a more open, inclusive and equitable future, where all citizens have equal rights and opportunities to express their love and live in harmony with their own identity.

In addition, in August 2022, more than 25 thousand Ukrainians signed a petition calling for the legalization of same-sex marriage. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by emphasizing the need to amend the constitution to facilitate this change, an elusive goal during martial law.