Hungary Passes Law To Allow Same-Sex Unions
Hungary’s Registered Partnership Act was approved by Parliament this week, paving the way for same-sex couples to enter into legally recognized unions.
The law, set to go into effect in January 2009 gives gay and lesbian couples almost identical rights as heterosexual married couples such as joint tax filing, next of kin status in addition to social security and pension rights. The Partnership Act does not allow same-sex couples to adopt, seek fertility treatment or take their partners surname.
Same-sex relationships are recognized by all Western European members of the EU. So far only the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain allow same-sex marriage.
