MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF SAME-SEX PARTNERSHIPS WELCOME AND NECESSARY
January 19, 2009 12:00 AM
Lib Dem North East MEP Fiona Hall has welcomed the adoption of a key European Parliament report which calls for mutual recognition of same-sex partnerships across the EU.
Acceptance of the report means that gay and lesbian couples who have legal unions or same sex marriages will be able to move and live freely among EU Member states - something which they are currently unable to do.
Although some EU countries; Spain, Belgium, the UK and soon to be Ireland, all recognise civil partnerships there has been no EU-wide consensus on same sex marriage until now.
"This is an issue which has been overlooked for years to the cost of many people," said Fiona.
"A huge part of the problem has been that many couples simply aren't aware that their partnerships may not be recognised in other member states and this has proved in many cases a bureaucratic and financial nightmare when one partner dies."
"One of the best things about the EU is the liberty it affords all of us to live and work wherever we like in Europe. This fundamental right should not be conditional on what kind of marital or civil partnership anyone =
chooses to enter."
The report on fundamental rights was adopted 401 votes in favour, 220 against and 67 abstentions when it was voted on by MEPs this week.
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