EU MUST END LEGAL LIMBO AND RECOGNISE CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
October 10, 2008 12:00 AM
As more and more EU member states move to formally recognise civil partnerships, a number of MEPs have signed a declaration calling for EU-wide recognition of same sex partnerships. The MEPs believe that a European consensus on the matter is vital, as it would allow partners to take advantage of EU free movement laws to live anywhere in Europe, without forfeiting legal and tax advantages.
North East MEP Fiona Hall has signed the declaration and is strongly supporting the call. If supported by half of MEPs the written declaration demands a response from EU governments and the European Commission.
Says Fiona, "The legal status of same sex couples still varies widely within the EU and interferes with their right of free movement within the Union, despite the fact the free movement rights are supposed to belong to all EU citizens.
"While Member States have agreed on a European Directive to ban discrimination in employment, on the grounds of sexual orientation, this has not been extended to same sex partnerships.
"As a result, same sex couples still live in a state of legal limbo. The European Commission must help develop the proper guidelines for mutual recognition between Member States with different legislation on civil partnerships and put an end to this second class status."
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