New Legislation in Germany Concerning Same-Sex Unions

Author(s)

Stephen Ross Levitt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Publication Title

ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law

ISSN

1082-944X

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

Excerpt

Various forms of legal recognition have been given to same-sex spousal relations in many nations of the European Union. At present Holland,¹ Denmark,² Sweden³ and France⁴ have implemented laws that Americans would find similar to the legislation concerning civil unions which came into force in Vermont in July of 2000.⁵ In the current year, following the lead of its Nordic neighbors, Norway⁶ and Sweden, Finland will likely implement legislation providing recognition in law to partnerships between two men or two women.⁷ This trend towards greater integration of Gays into Western European society, granting spousal rights, has been followed to a less dramatic extent even by nations that might be considered less socially liberal.

Volume

7

Issue

2

First Page

469

Last Page

494

NSUWorks Citation

Levitt, S. R. (2001). New Legislation in Germany Concerning Same-Sex Unions. ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law, 7 (2), 469-494. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_facarticles/32