Estland tillåter samkönade äktenskap

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Estonia may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Estonia. Since 1 January 2016, same-sex couples may register their relationship as a cohabitation agreement, which gives them almost all the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Nevertheless, same-sex couples are unable to marry or jointly adopt. The government approved a draft same-sex marriage bill in May 2023, which was approved at first reading on May 22. If the bill becomes law, it will take effect on January 1, 2024.Among the countries which after World War II were controlled by the former Soviet Union's communist regime, independent Estonia is now considered to be one the most liberal when it comes to LGBT rights. Acceptance of LGBT people has grown significantly since the early 21st century, though there is a notable age gap, as younger people tend to be more tolerant and liberal, while older people tend to be more socially conservative. According to ILGA-Europe, Estonia ranks 25th among 49 countries in Europe on LGBT rights legislation. This is lower than the neighbouring countries of Finland or Sweden, but higher than Latvia, and significantly higher than Russia. A 2023 opinion survey found that 75% of the Estonian population supported an anti-discrimination law covering LGBT people, 53% support same-sex marriage, whilst 71% supported civil partnerships for same-sex couples.