Historic Gay Marriage Debate Heads to Czech Parliament this Week

The lower house of the Czech Parliament is set to debate the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The amendment is the third item up for debate in the afternoon program.

In the meeting’s agenda, the first reading of the Civil Code amendment is to be included as a fixed item, which would open up the possibility of marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

This is a proposal presented by a group of 46 deputies headed by MP Radka Maxová. The amendment has already gained support from almost the entire political spectrum (ANO, Pirates, ČSSD, KSČM, STAN, TOP 09) of the chamber.

“Despite the fact that the Czech Republic has recognized registered partnership since 2006, full equality for same-sex couples is still missing. This gap in legislation not only affects the couples but their families and relatives as well,” says Michaela Pixová a spokesperson for the group.

She adds: “This parliamentary debate is a real opportunity for the Czech Republic to become the first country in the post-communist block to break from its totalitarian legacy and give full recognition and equality to same-sex couples.”

Supporters from the LGBT+ community, family members of same-sex couples, and famous personalities are expected to be present throughout the meeting, both in the Chamber of Deputies as well as in the Sněmovní 7 headquarters of We Are Fair, where the debate will be followed online.

“We expect a lively discussion on the subject, among other things, because the agenda also includes a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union only between a man and a woman,” says Pixová.