Czech MPs hold historic debate on same sex marriage

That debate was delayed, but yesterday Czech politicians finally met to discuss the matter for the first time in the history of the Czech Republic.

Two separate proposals were put forth by Czech members of parliament. A proposal from 46 Czech MPs, including members from ANO, STAN, ČSSD, and the Czech Pirate Party, would grant total equality to all marriages.

Opposing them, a measure spearheaded by the Christian Democrats and 37 signatories would keep the separation between marriage and registered partnerships that currently exists in the Czech Republic.

Unlike many other measures debated in parliament, individual MPs did not tow party lines. Besides the Pirate party in favor of the first proposal and the Christian Democrats behind the second, local political parties saw members on both sides of the debate.

A third proposal, with limited support from a single MP, would grant equal rights to same-sex partnerships, but reserve the term ‘marriage’ for the binding of a man and woman.

To pass through the House, the proposal for marriage equality would need the support of 60% of the 200 members of Czech parliament.

While many urged their fellow MPs to hold a vote on the matter Wednesday, several hours of debate ended with no vote. Still, it’s a historic event within Czech parliament, and the first time the issue of same sex marriage has been officially raised.

Further debate, and a potential vote on the issue, is expected in early December.

While gays and lesbians can currently obtain a registered partnership in the Czech Republic, there are a number of distinctions that separate their rights from those of a married couple.

“We are five to ten percent [of the population],” remarked Czech Defense Minister Karla Šlechtová.

The debate came following a lengthy campaign from the organization Jsme fér (We Are Fair). According to the campaign, 67% of Czechs are in favor of the legalization of same-sex marriage.