Same-sex marriage in Austria: Difference between revisions

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merge partnerships and marriage sections so it is chronological and clearer; various improvements/clarifications and move/merge content from LGBT rights in Austria
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[[Civil union|Registered partnership]]s have been legal in [[Austria]] since 1 January 2010.
[[Civil union|Registered partnership]]s have been legal in [[Austria]] since 1 January 2010.


==History==
==Registered partnerships==
===Early rights and support (2003–2006)===
Austria has provided rights for de facto same-sex unions since 2003, following the decision of the [[European Court of Human Rights]] in Karner v. Austria published on 24 July 2003. This status, called unregistered cohabitation, gives cohabiting same-sex couples the same rights as unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex partners.<ref>[http://www.ilga-europe.org/content/download/8909/53271/file/Judgment%20(Karner)%20(English).doc CASE OF KARNER v. AUSTRIA]</ref>
Austria has provided rights for de facto same-sex unions since 2003, following the decision of the [[European Court of Human Rights]] in Karner v. Austria published on 24 July 2003. This status, called unregistered cohabitation, gives cohabiting same-sex couples the same rights as unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex partners.<ref>[http://www.ilga-europe.org/content/download/8909/53271/file/Judgment%20(Karner)%20(English).doc CASE OF KARNER v. AUSTRIA]</ref>


In December 2004, the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|SPÖ]], then in [[opposition (politics)|opposition]], adopted a major policy decision on the issue of equal treatment of same-sex couples. In addition to introducing registered partnerships, the party was heading towards subsequent opening up of [[marriage]] for same-sex couples. The party became leader of a grand coalition Government in January 2007.
In December 2004, the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democratic Party]] (SPÖ), then in [[opposition (politics)|opposition]], adopted a major policy decision on the issue of equal treatment of same-sex couples. In addition to calling for the introduction of registered partnerships, the party supported the investigation of opening [[marriage]] for same-sex couples. In May 2005, [[The Greens – The Green Alternative|The Greens]] became the first major party to expressly call for the legalisation of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite paper|url=http://www.rklambda.at/archiv/dokumente/news_2005/News-en-Gruene-Ehe-PA-050524.pdf |title=Greens are Calling for Gay Marriage |date=2004-05-24 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref> In April 2006, the Vienna branch of the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democrats]] (SPÖ) followed the Greens in explicitly calling for the legalisation of marriage and adoption for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite paper|url=http://www.rklambda.at/archiv/dokumente/news_2006/News-en-SPOE-Ehe-PA-060424-Logo-E.pdf |title=RKL Welcomes Call of Vienna Social-Democrats for Same-Sex Marriage |date=2006-04-24 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref>


While not allowing for new same-sex marriages to be contracted, Austria indirectly saw its first same-sex marriage in 2006 when its constitutional court granted a [[transsexual]] woman the right to change her legal gender to female while remaining married to her wife.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/07/070506austria.htm |title=Austria gets first same-sex marriage |publisher=365gay.com |date=2006-07-05 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071017161302/http://365gay.com/Newscon06/07/070506austria.htm |archivedate=2007-10-17 |accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> The court repealed a regulation that required married transsexuals to divorce before their new gender was legally recognised.<ref>[http://eva.transgender.at/acts/life/TransX4Hammarberg.pdf TransGender and Human Rights in Austria]</ref>
While not allowing for new same-sex marriages to be contracted, Austria indirectly saw its first same-sex marriage in 2006 when its constitutional court granted a [[transsexual]] woman the right to change her legal gender to female while remaining married to her wife.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/07/070506austria.htm |title=Austria gets first same-sex marriage |publisher=365gay.com |date=2006-07-05 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071017161302/http://365gay.com/Newscon06/07/070506austria.htm |archivedate=2007-10-17 |accessdate=2008-07-20}}</ref> The court invalidated a regulation that required married transsexuals to divorce before their new gender was legally recognised.<ref>[http://eva.transgender.at/acts/life/TransX4Hammarberg.pdf TransGender and Human Rights in Austria]</ref>


===Introduction of registered partnerships (2007–2010)===
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In the "Perspectives" paper released by the [[Austrian People's Party|ÖVP]] on 1 October 2007, it announced its support for a [[civil union|registered partnership]], based similar to the [[Registered partnership in Switzerland|Swiss model]].<ref name="registered partnerships">{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5849.html |title=Austrian government plans registered gay partnerships|date=24 October 2007|work=Pink News}}</ref>
Following the [[Austrian legislative election, 2006|October 2006 election]], the conservative [[second Schüssel government|Schüssel government]] was succeeded by an SPÖ-ÖVP grand coalition on 11 January 2007.

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In the "Perspectives" paper released by the [[Austrian People's Party]] (ÖVP) on 1 October 2007, it announced its support for a [[civil union|registered partnership]], based similar to the [[Registered partnership in Switzerland|Swiss model]].<ref name="registered partnerships">{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2007/10/24/austrian-government-plans-registered-gay-partnerships/|title=Austrian government plans registered gay partnerships|date=24 October 2007|work=Pink News}}</ref>


An agreed draft was released in late October 2007 which would give couples in a registered partnership nearly the same rights as married couples, except for adoption rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/339146/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/innenpolitik/index.do |title=Homosexuelle dürfen heiraten – und sich leichter trennen |publisher=DiePresse.com|language=de}}</ref>
An agreed draft was released in late October 2007 which would give couples in a registered partnership nearly the same rights as married couples, except for adoption rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/339146/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/innenpolitik/index.do |title=Homosexuelle dürfen heiraten – und sich leichter trennen |publisher=DiePresse.com|language=de}}</ref>


It was planned that the Registered Partnership Bill 2008, based on the Swiss model, would be introduced to the parliament in September 2008, however, as the coalition of Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) broke apart and early elections were scheduled for [[Austrian legislative election, 2008|28 September 2008]], progress was delayed. The two parties saw considerable losses in the election but continued their grand coalition under the new Chancellor [[Werner Faymann]] (SPÖ).
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In February 2009, Austria's Interior Minister [[Maria Fekter]] held conversations with a delegation of the Austrian LGBT-rights association ''Lambda'' (Rechtskomitee Lambda) concerning the issue of equal rights for LGBT people. [[Maria Fekter]] announced that the bill for a registered partnership (Eingetragene Partnerschaft) will be introduced and enacted in Autumn 2009 and would become legal on 1 January 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaynet.at/news/artikel/5199_Lambda |title=Gespräche mit Maria Fekter...|date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2009-02-18|language=de}}</ref>


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In February 2009, Austria's Interior Minister [[Maria Fekter|Dr. Maria Fekter]] (ÖVP) set up a working group, inviting delegations from all Austrian LGBT rights organizations to hold talks, including the ''Rechtskomitee Lambda'' (Lambda Legal Committee), ''RosaLila PantherInnen'' (pink and lavender panthers) and HOSI Linz, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vienna, on the issue of partnership recognition for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaynet.at/news/artikel/5199_Lambda |title=Registered partnership on 1. January 2010 |date=18 February 2009 |accessdate=18 February 2009}}</ref> Maria Fekter announced that the bill for a registered partnership (Eingetragene Partnerschaft) would be introduced and enacted in Autumn 2009 and would become legal on 1 January 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaynet.at/news/artikel/5199_Lambda |title=Gespräche mit Maria Fekter...|date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2009-02-18|language=de}}</ref>
On 12 October 2009, the [[Austrian Green Party|Greens]] urged the government to keep to its promise of having registered partnerships implemented by January 2010 with Green justice spokesman Albert Steinhauser saying that time was running out for the proposed law. The party also called for opening up marriage to same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/514423/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/index.do|title=Grüne fordern rasche Umsetzung der Homo-Ehe|date=2009-10-12|publisher=Die Presse|accessdate=2009-10-12|language=de}}</ref>


On 13 October 2009, the Austrian Justice Minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner announced that a registered partnership law would be announced "in a few weeks". She stated that such a law is in the process of being drafted, with some aspects of it still being under contention. A particular area of contention is whether registered partnerships should include a ceremony.<ref>{{de icon}} [http://derstandard.at/fs/1254311322817/Bandion-Ortner-Einigung-in-wenigen-Wochen Bandion-Ortner: Einigung in "wenigen Wochen"], Der Standard, 13 October 2009</ref>
On 12 October 2009, the [[Austrian Green Party|Greens]] urged the government to keep to its promise of having registered partnerships implemented by January 2010 with Green justice spokesman Albert Steinhauser saying that time was running out for the proposed law. The party also called for opening up marriage to same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/514423/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/index.do|title=Grüne fordern rasche Umsetzung der Homo-Ehe|date=2009-10-12|publisher=Die Presse|accessdate=2009-10-12|language=de}}</ref> The next day, the Austrian Minister of Justice [[Claudia Bandion-Ortner]] announced that a registered partnership law would be announced "in a few weeks". She stated that such a law is in the process of being drafted, with some aspects of it still being under contention. A particular area of contention is whether registered partnerships should include a ceremony.<ref>{{de icon}} [http://derstandard.at/fs/1254311322817/Bandion-Ortner-Einigung-in-wenigen-Wochen Bandion-Ortner: Einigung in "wenigen Wochen"], Der Standard, 13 October 2009</ref>


On November 11, 2009 Minister of Justice Claudia Bandion-Ortner from ÖVP presented a bill, which was rejected by SPÖ, because the bill did not include ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=210|title=Der Gesetzesentwurf|work=GGG.at|accessdate=20 January 2010|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=11293|title=Österreich: "Apartheid-Kurs" bei Homo-Ehe?|date=1 November 2009|work=Queer.de|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20091105_OTS0281|title=ÖSTERREICH: Fekter gegen "Homo-Ehe" am Standesamt|date=5 November 2009|work=APA-OTS|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pride1radio.com/index.php/pride1aktuell/568-oesterreich-bundeskanzler-spricht-sch-fuer-homo-ehe-am-standesamt-aus|title=Österreich: Bundeskanzler spricht sich für Homo-Ehe am Standesamt aus|date=16 November 2009|work=Pride 1 Radio|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=62&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2594&cHash=b9d2f93c9f|title=ÖVP sperrt sich weiter gegen Standesamt|work=GGG.at|date=16 November 2009|language=de}}</ref>
On 11 November 2009, Minister of Justice Claudia Bandion-Ortner from ÖVP presented a bill, which was rejected by SPÖ, because the bill did not include ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=210|title=Der Gesetzesentwurf|work=GGG.at|accessdate=20 January 2010|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=11293|title=Österreich: "Apartheid-Kurs" bei Homo-Ehe?|date=1 November 2009|work=Queer.de|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20091105_OTS0281|title=ÖSTERREICH: Fekter gegen "Homo-Ehe" am Standesamt|date=5 November 2009|work=APA-OTS|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pride1radio.com/index.php/pride1aktuell/568-oesterreich-bundeskanzler-spricht-sch-fuer-homo-ehe-am-standesamt-aus|title=Österreich: Bundeskanzler spricht sich für Homo-Ehe am Standesamt aus|date=16 November 2009|work=Pride 1 Radio|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=62&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2594&cHash=b9d2f93c9f|title=ÖVP sperrt sich weiter gegen Standesamt|work=GGG.at|date=16 November 2009|language=de}}</ref>


On November 17, 2009 the Government finally approved the registered partnership bill, proposed by the Minister of Justice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.topnews.in/austrian-government-approves-samesex-partnership-rights-2237236|title=Austrian government approves same-sex partnership rights|date=17 November 2009|work=Top News}}</ref> The bill was passed on December 10 by the [[National Council of Austria|National Council]], the lower house of parliament, in a 110-64 vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.365gay.com/news/austrian-parliament-oks-gay-civil-unions/|title=Austrian parliament OKs gay civil unions|work=365Gay|date=10 December 2009|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On December 18, it was passed by the [[Federal Council of Austria|Federal Council]] (upper house) in a 44-8 vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=62&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2696&cHash=c6fe822c0758046b6f60c9830b3d80c7|title=Bundesrat beschließt Homo-Ehe|work=GGG.at|date=18 December 2009|language=de}}</ref> On December 30, the law was published in Bundesgesetzblatt - government's journal and took effect on 1 January 2010.<ref>{{de icon}} [http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?Abfrage=BgblAuth&Dokumentnummer=BGBLA_2009_I_135 Bundesgesetzblatt]</ref><ref>{{de icon}} [http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2009_I_135/BGBLA_2009_I_135.html BUNDESGESETZBLATT FÜR DIE REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH]</ref>
On 17 November 2009, the Government finally approved the registered partnership bill, proposed by the Minister of Justice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.topnews.in/austrian-government-approves-samesex-partnership-rights-2237236|title=Austrian government approves same-sex partnership rights|date=17 November 2009|work=Top News}}</ref> The bill provides equal rights in labour, immigration, pension, tax, and civil law to same-sex couples as marriage does to opposite-sex couples. They also allow for someone to change their surname to match their partner's and take a common surname. The bill was passed on 10 December by the [[National Council of Austria|National Council]], the lower house of parliament, in a 110-64 vote.<ref>[http://www.timm.de/channels/category/3073?blogPostingId=b%3A12313a00a4e1%3A47a62f488d350%3A5070f TIMM:Österreichs Parlament beschließt Lebenspartnerschaft]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.365gay.com/news/austrian-parliament-oks-gay-civil-unions/|title=Austrian parliament OKs gay civil unions|work=365Gay|date=10 December 2009|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On 18 December, it was passed by the [[Federal Council of Austria|Federal Council]] (upper house) in a 44-8 vote.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ggg.at/index.php?id=62&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2696&cHash=c6fe822c0758046b6f60c9830b3d80c7 |title=Bundesrat beschließt Homo-Ehe |work=GGG.at|date=18 December 2009|language=de}}</ref> On 30 December, the law was published in [[Bundesgesetzblatt (Austria)|Federal Law Gazette]] I No. 135/2009 and took effect on 1 January 2010.<ref>{{de icon}} [http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?Abfrage=BgblAuth&Dokumentnummer=BGBLA_2009_I_135 Bundesgesetzblatt]</ref><ref>{{de icon}} [http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2009_I_135/BGBLA_2009_I_135.html BUNDESGESETZBLATT FÜR DIE REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH]</ref> On 4 January 2010, the first four same-sex couples were registered in partnerships in Vienna.


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The Austrian LGBT rights organisation Rechtskomitee Lambda has highlighted the 72 differences between registered partnerships and marriage,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rklambda.at/e/231109differencestomarriage.htm |title=72 differences to marriage |date=2009-11-23 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref> and campaigns for same-sex marriage in Austria. Campaigners have questioned the current situation by challenging the lack of access to registered partnerships for opposite sex couples and the lack of access to marriage for same sex couples, with a heterosexual couple applying to have a registered partnership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/europe/100218/austria-same-sex-marriage?page=full |title=A straight Austrian couple wants a same-sex marriage |date=2010-02-20 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref><ref>"Austrians seek right to partnerships created for gays" ''BBC News:'' 17.05.2010: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8687064.stm</ref>

===Broadening rights and calls for same-sex marriage (2013–present)===
In January 2013, the [[Constitutional Court of Austria]] ruled that the registered partnership law was partially unconstitutional, broadening the rights for registered partnerships.<ref>[http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=18356 Österreich: Homo-Paare müssen "Ja" sagen dürfen]</ref>
In January 2013, the [[Constitutional Court of Austria]] ruled that the registered partnership law was partially unconstitutional, broadening the rights for registered partnerships.<ref>[http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=18356 Österreich: Homo-Paare müssen "Ja" sagen dürfen]</ref>


On 19 February 2013, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] ruled in ''[[X and Others v. Austria]]'' that a partner in a same-sex union has the right to adopt his or her partner's biological child. On 4 July 2013, the Austrian Parliament passed a government bill that allows stepchild adoption by same-sex couples. The law entered into force on 1 August 2013.<ref>[http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=19371 Österreich führt Stiefkindadoption ein – Kirche poltert]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilga-europe.org/home/guide_europe/country_by_country/austria/austria_second_parent_adoption_13th|title=Austria becomes the 13th European country to allow same-sex second-parent adoption|date=August 1, 2013|publisher=ILGA Europe}}</ref>
On 19 February 2013, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] ruled in ''[[X and Others v. Austria]]'' that a partner in a same-sex union has the right to adopt his or her partner's biological child. On 4 July 2013, the Austrian Parliament passed a government bill that allows stepchild adoption by same-sex couples. The law entered into force on 1 August 2013.<ref>[http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=19371 Österreich führt Stiefkindadoption ein – Kirche poltert]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilga-europe.org/home/guide_europe/country_by_country/austria/austria_second_parent_adoption_13th|title=Austria becomes the 13th European country to allow same-sex second-parent adoption|date=August 1, 2013|publisher=ILGA Europe}}</ref>


In June 2013, in the lead up to that year's elections, the newly founded liberal party [[NEOS – The New Austria|NEOS]] published its policy positions paper including support for full equal rights for registered partnerships, including adoption rights.<ref>{{cite paper|url=http://neos.eu/_download/downloads/2013-06-09-neos-positionspapier-familie.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132204/http://neos.eu/_download/downloads/2013-06-09-neos-positionspapier-familie.pdf |title=FAMILIE |date=2013-06-09 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref>
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In January 2015, the Constitutional Court found the existing laws on adoption to be unconstitutional and ordered the laws to be changed by 31 December 2015 to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vienna.at/adoptionsverbot-fuer-homosexuelle-partner-aufgehoben/4202709|title=Adoptionsverbot für homosexuelle Partner aufgehoben|publisher=Vienna Online|date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=23025|title=Österreich: Adoptionsverbot für Homo-Paare verfassungswidrig|publisher=Queer.de|date=14 January 2015}}</ref>

==Same-sex marriage==
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[[The Greens – The Green Alternative|The Greens]], the [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|Social Democrats]] (SPÖ), and the [[NEOS – The New Austria|NEOS]] support same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite paper|url=http://www.rklambda.at/archiv/dokumente/news_2005/News-en-Gruene-Ehe-PA-050524.pdf |title=Greens are Calling for Gay Marriage |date=2004-05-24 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite paper|url=http://www.rklambda.at/archiv/dokumente/news_2006/News-en-SPOE-Ehe-PA-060424-Logo-E.pdf |title=RKL Welcomes Call of Vienna Social-Democrats for Same-Sex Marriage |date=2006-04-24 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite paper|url=http://neos.eu/_download/downloads/2013-06-09-neos-positionspapier-familie.pdf |title=FAMILIE |date=2013-06-09 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref> The Austrian LGBT rights organisation Rechtscomitee Lambda has highlighted the 72 differences between registered partnerships and marriage,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rklambda.at/e/231109differencestomarriage.htm |title=72 differences to marriage |date=2009-11-23 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref> and campaigns for Austrian same-sex marriage. Campaigners have questioned the current situation by challenging the lack of access to registered partnerships for opposite sex couples and the lack of access to marriage for same sex couples, with a heterosexual couple applying to have a registered partnership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/europe/100218/austria-same-sex-marriage?page=full |title=A straight Austrian couple wants a same-sex marriage |date=2010-02-20 |accessdate=2014-04-05}}</ref>


The [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|SPÖ]]-[[Austrian People's Party|ÖVP]] coalition government was continued following the [[Austrian legislative election, 2013|September 2013 elections]]. Even though SPÖ campaigned for LGBT rights, the coalition agreement does not include any progress on LGBT rights due to opposition by the conservative ÖVP.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thinkoutsideyourbox.net/?p=33229|title=SPÖ hat LGBTs (wieder) verraten: kein Wort zu LGBT-Gleichstellung im GroKo-Programm | publisher = Thinkoutsideyourbox.net|date=13 December 2013}}</ref>
The [[Social Democratic Party of Austria|SPÖ]]-[[Austrian People's Party|ÖVP]] coalition government was continued following the [[Austrian legislative election, 2013|September 2013 elections]]. Even though SPÖ campaigned for LGBT rights, the coalition agreement does not include any progress on LGBT rights due to opposition by the conservative ÖVP.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thinkoutsideyourbox.net/?p=33229|title=SPÖ hat LGBTs (wieder) verraten: kein Wort zu LGBT-Gleichstellung im GroKo-Programm | publisher = Thinkoutsideyourbox.net|date=13 December 2013}}</ref>
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In 2013 a case was filed with the [[Constitutional Court of Austria|Constitutional Court]] by a same-sex couple married in the Netherlands and resident in Austria that wanted to get married under Austrian law to do away with uncertainties regarding their marital status. On 12 March 2014 the case was dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kurier.at/politik/inland/justizpolitik-schwulen-ehe-ist-vor-den-hoechstrichtern/30.825.752|title=Schwulen-Ehe ist vor Höchstrichtern|publisher=[[Kurier]]|date=14 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{de icon}}[http://www.vfgh.at/cms/vfgh-site/attachments/9/1/3/CH0006/CMS1398242281378/nl_ehe_b-166-2013_neu.pdf VERFASSUNGSGERICHTSHOF B 166/2013-17]</ref>
In 2013 a case was filed with the [[Constitutional Court of Austria|Constitutional Court]] by a same-sex couple married in the Netherlands and resident in Austria that wanted to get married under Austrian law to do away with uncertainties regarding their marital status. On 12 March 2014 the case was dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kurier.at/politik/inland/justizpolitik-schwulen-ehe-ist-vor-den-hoechstrichtern/30.825.752|title=Schwulen-Ehe ist vor Höchstrichtern|publisher=[[Kurier]]|date=14 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{de icon}}[http://www.vfgh.at/cms/vfgh-site/attachments/9/1/3/CH0006/CMS1398242281378/nl_ehe_b-166-2013_neu.pdf VERFASSUNGSGERICHTSHOF B 166/2013-17]</ref>

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In January 2015, the Constitutional Court found the existing laws on adoption to be unconstitutional and ordered the laws to be changed by 31 December 2015 to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vienna.at/adoptionsverbot-fuer-homosexuelle-partner-aufgehoben/4202709|title=Adoptionsverbot für homosexuelle Partner aufgehoben|publisher=Vienna Online|date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=23025|title=Österreich: Adoptionsverbot für Homo-Paare verfassungswidrig|publisher=Queer.de|date=14 January 2015}}</ref> On 30 October 2015, the Justice Minister announced that the ban would no longer be enforced starting on 1 January 2016, thus allowing the Court's decision to automatically cancel the joint adoption ban.<ref>[http://derstandard.at/2000024807861/Homosexuelle-duerfen-kuenftig-adoptieren-ohne-Gesetzesnovelle Homosexuelle dürfen künftig adoptieren – ohne Gesetzesnovelle]</ref>


On 18 June 2015, the [[National Council (Austria)|Parliament]] rejected a resolution proposed by the Greens that would require the government to introduce same-sex marriage legislation. Out of 136 representatives, 26 voted for and 110 voted against the proposal.<ref>[http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXV/UEA/UEA_00462/index.shtml Entschließungsantrag betreffend Ehe für alle], Parliament</ref> The Social Democrats (SPÖ) voted against, pointing to the fact their coalition partner ÖVP oppose same-sex marriage. NEOS (except MP [[Christoph Vavrik]]) supported the resolution, whereas Team Stronach and FPÖ joined the two governing parties in opposing the resolution.<ref>[http://www.thinkoutsideyourbox.net/?p=36520 Verrat in Rot: SPÖ stimmt im Parlament gegen Ehe-Öffnung], thinkoutsideyourbox.net</ref>
On 18 June 2015, the [[National Council (Austria)|Parliament]] rejected a resolution proposed by the Greens that would require the government to introduce same-sex marriage legislation. Out of 136 representatives, 26 voted for and 110 voted against the proposal.<ref>[http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXV/UEA/UEA_00462/index.shtml Entschließungsantrag betreffend Ehe für alle], Parliament</ref> The Social Democrats (SPÖ) voted against, pointing to the fact their coalition partner ÖVP oppose same-sex marriage. NEOS (except MP [[Christoph Vavrik]]) supported the resolution, whereas Team Stronach and FPÖ joined the two governing parties in opposing the resolution.<ref>[http://www.thinkoutsideyourbox.net/?p=36520 Verrat in Rot: SPÖ stimmt im Parlament gegen Ehe-Öffnung], thinkoutsideyourbox.net</ref>

Revision as of 20:21, 30 November 2015

Part of the LGBT rights series
Marriage

Recognized

Civil unions and
registered partnerships
Minimal recognition
See also
Notes
  1. KoN: Performed in the Netherlands proper, including the Caribbean Netherlands. Registered in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten in such cases, but the rights of marriage are not guaranteed.
  2. NZ: Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands.
  3. UK: Neither performed nor recognized in six British Overseas Territories.
  4. US: Neither performed nor recognized in some tribal nations. Recognized but not performed in several other tribal nations and American Samoa.
  5. Israel: Registered foreign marriages confer all marriage rights. Domestic common-law marriages confer most rights of marriage. Domestic civil marriage recognized by some cities.
  6. EU: The Coman v. Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens. Some member states, including Romania, do not follow the ruling.
  7. Cambodia: Recognition of a "declaration of family relationship", which may be useful in matters such as housing, but they are not legally binding.
  8. China: Guardianship agreements, conferring some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care.
  9. HK: Inheritance, guardianship rights, and residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents.
  10. India: Courts have recognised guru–shishya, nata pratha or maitri karar–type contractual relationships, but they are not legally binding.
  11. Japan: Some cities and prefectures issue partnership certificates, but they are not legally binding.
  12. Namibia: Marriages conducted abroad between a Namibian national and a foreign spouse recognized for residency rights.
  13. Romania: Hospital visitation rights through a "legal representative" status.
* Not yet in effect
LGBT portal
Laws regarding same-sex partnerships in Europe¹
  Marriage
  Civil union
  Limited domestic recognition (cohabitation)
  Limited foreign recognition (residency rights)
  Unrecognized
  Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples
¹ May include recent laws or court decisions that have not yet entered into effect.

Registered partnerships have been legal in Austria since 1 January 2010.

History

Early rights and support (2003–2006)

Austria has provided rights for de facto same-sex unions since 2003, following the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Karner v. Austria published on 24 July 2003. This status, called unregistered cohabitation, gives cohabiting same-sex couples the same rights as unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex partners.[1]

In December 2004, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), then in opposition, adopted a major policy decision on the issue of equal treatment of same-sex couples. In addition to calling for the introduction of registered partnerships, the party supported the investigation of opening marriage for same-sex couples. In May 2005, The Greens became the first major party to expressly call for the legalisation of same-sex marriage.[2] In April 2006, the Vienna branch of the Social Democrats (SPÖ) followed the Greens in explicitly calling for the legalisation of marriage and adoption for same-sex couples.[3]

While not allowing for new same-sex marriages to be contracted, Austria indirectly saw its first same-sex marriage in 2006 when its constitutional court granted a transsexual woman the right to change her legal gender to female while remaining married to her wife.[4] The court invalidated a regulation that required married transsexuals to divorce before their new gender was legally recognised.[5]

Introduction of registered partnerships (2007–2010)

Following the October 2006 election, the conservative Schüssel government was succeeded by an SPÖ-ÖVP grand coalition on 11 January 2007.

In the "Perspectives" paper released by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) on 1 October 2007, it announced its support for a registered partnership, based similar to the Swiss model.[6]

An agreed draft was released in late October 2007 which would give couples in a registered partnership nearly the same rights as married couples, except for adoption rights.[7]

It was planned that the Registered Partnership Bill 2008, based on the Swiss model, would be introduced to the parliament in September 2008, however, as the coalition of Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) broke apart and early elections were scheduled for 28 September 2008, progress was delayed. The two parties saw considerable losses in the election but continued their grand coalition under the new Chancellor Werner Faymann (SPÖ).

In February 2009, Austria's Interior Minister Dr. Maria Fekter (ÖVP) set up a working group, inviting delegations from all Austrian LGBT rights organizations to hold talks, including the Rechtskomitee Lambda (Lambda Legal Committee), RosaLila PantherInnen (pink and lavender panthers) and HOSI Linz, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vienna, on the issue of partnership recognition for same-sex couples.[8] Maria Fekter announced that the bill for a registered partnership (Eingetragene Partnerschaft) would be introduced and enacted in Autumn 2009 and would become legal on 1 January 2010.[9]

On 12 October 2009, the Greens urged the government to keep to its promise of having registered partnerships implemented by January 2010 with Green justice spokesman Albert Steinhauser saying that time was running out for the proposed law. The party also called for opening up marriage to same-sex couples.[10] The next day, the Austrian Minister of Justice Claudia Bandion-Ortner announced that a registered partnership law would be announced "in a few weeks". She stated that such a law is in the process of being drafted, with some aspects of it still being under contention. A particular area of contention is whether registered partnerships should include a ceremony.[11]

On 11 November 2009, Minister of Justice Claudia Bandion-Ortner from ÖVP presented a bill, which was rejected by SPÖ, because the bill did not include ceremonies.[12][13][14][15][16]

On 17 November 2009, the Government finally approved the registered partnership bill, proposed by the Minister of Justice.[17] The bill provides equal rights in labour, immigration, pension, tax, and civil law to same-sex couples as marriage does to opposite-sex couples. They also allow for someone to change their surname to match their partner's and take a common surname. The bill was passed on 10 December by the National Council, the lower house of parliament, in a 110-64 vote.[18][19] On 18 December, it was passed by the Federal Council (upper house) in a 44-8 vote.[20] On 30 December, the law was published in Federal Law Gazette I No. 135/2009 and took effect on 1 January 2010.[21][22] On 4 January 2010, the first four same-sex couples were registered in partnerships in Vienna.

The Austrian LGBT rights organisation Rechtskomitee Lambda has highlighted the 72 differences between registered partnerships and marriage,[23] and campaigns for same-sex marriage in Austria. Campaigners have questioned the current situation by challenging the lack of access to registered partnerships for opposite sex couples and the lack of access to marriage for same sex couples, with a heterosexual couple applying to have a registered partnership.[24][25]

Broadening rights and calls for same-sex marriage (2013–present)

In January 2013, the Constitutional Court of Austria ruled that the registered partnership law was partially unconstitutional, broadening the rights for registered partnerships.[26]

On 19 February 2013, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in X and Others v. Austria that a partner in a same-sex union has the right to adopt his or her partner's biological child. On 4 July 2013, the Austrian Parliament passed a government bill that allows stepchild adoption by same-sex couples. The law entered into force on 1 August 2013.[27][28]

In June 2013, in the lead up to that year's elections, the newly founded liberal party NEOS published its policy positions paper including support for full equal rights for registered partnerships, including adoption rights.[29]

The SPÖ-ÖVP coalition government was continued following the September 2013 elections. Even though SPÖ campaigned for LGBT rights, the coalition agreement does not include any progress on LGBT rights due to opposition by the conservative ÖVP.[30]

On 20 November 2013, the opposition party The Greens introduced a bill in Parliament that would legalise same-sex marriage.[31] It was sent to the Judiciary Committee on 17 December 2013.[32] The bill was supposed to be debated in Autumn 2014,[33] but was delayed by the ruling coalition.

In 2013 a case was filed with the Constitutional Court by a same-sex couple married in the Netherlands and resident in Austria that wanted to get married under Austrian law to do away with uncertainties regarding their marital status. On 12 March 2014 the case was dismissed.[34][35]

In January 2015, the Constitutional Court found the existing laws on adoption to be unconstitutional and ordered the laws to be changed by 31 December 2015 to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples.[36][37] On 30 October 2015, the Justice Minister announced that the ban would no longer be enforced starting on 1 January 2016, thus allowing the Court's decision to automatically cancel the joint adoption ban.[38]

On 18 June 2015, the Parliament rejected a resolution proposed by the Greens that would require the government to introduce same-sex marriage legislation. Out of 136 representatives, 26 voted for and 110 voted against the proposal.[39] The Social Democrats (SPÖ) voted against, pointing to the fact their coalition partner ÖVP oppose same-sex marriage. NEOS (except MP Christoph Vavrik) supported the resolution, whereas Team Stronach and FPÖ joined the two governing parties in opposing the resolution.[40]

Subsequently an initiative "Ehe Gleich!"[41] was started to force parliament to reconsider legalising same-sex marriage. The petition committee of the parliament started consideration of the initiative on 17 November 2015. The committee called on Minister of Justice Wolfgang Brandstetter and Minister of Families Sophie Karmasin to state their positions.[42]

In November 2015, the "Ehe Gleich!" initiative also filed a lawsuit challenging the same-sex marriage ban.[43]

Public opinion

A 2006 European Union poll surveying up to 30,000 people showed Austrian support for same sex marriage at 49% (higher than the EU average of 41%).[44]

A November 2013 poll by Market for Der Standard found that 61% support same-sex marriage (41% fully support, 20% tend to support) while 33% do not (15% fully oppose, 18% tend to oppose). Adoption by same-sex couples is supported by 56% (35% fully support, 21% tend to support) and opposed by 37% (22% fully oppose, 15% tend to oppose).[45]

A May 2014 poll by Market for ORF found that 73% support same-sex marriage. 48% fully support, 25% tend to support, 9% tend to oppose and 15% fully oppose, while 3% did not answer. Support is higher among women and younger people.[46][47][48]

The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 62% of Austrians thought that same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, 32% were against.[49]

See also

References

  1. ^ CASE OF KARNER v. AUSTRIA
  2. ^ "Greens are Calling for Gay Marriage" (PDF). 2004-05-24. Retrieved 2014-04-05. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ "RKL Welcomes Call of Vienna Social-Democrats for Same-Sex Marriage" (PDF). 2006-04-24. Retrieved 2014-04-05. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ "Austria gets first same-sex marriage". 365gay.com. 2006-07-05. Archived from the original on 2007-10-17. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  5. ^ TransGender and Human Rights in Austria
  6. ^ "Austrian government plans registered gay partnerships". Pink News. 24 October 2007.
  7. ^ "Homosexuelle dürfen heiraten – und sich leichter trennen" (in German). DiePresse.com.
  8. ^ "Registered partnership on 1. January 2010". 18 February 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2009.
  9. ^ "Gespräche mit Maria Fekter..." (in German). 2009-02-18. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  10. ^ "Grüne fordern rasche Umsetzung der Homo-Ehe" (in German). Die Presse. 2009-10-12. Retrieved 2009-10-12.
  11. ^ Template:De icon Bandion-Ortner: Einigung in "wenigen Wochen", Der Standard, 13 October 2009
  12. ^ "Der Gesetzesentwurf". GGG.at (in German). Retrieved 20 January 2010.
  13. ^ "Österreich: "Apartheid-Kurs" bei Homo-Ehe?". Queer.de (in German). 1 November 2009.
  14. ^ "ÖSTERREICH: Fekter gegen "Homo-Ehe" am Standesamt". APA-OTS (in German). 5 November 2009.
  15. ^ "Österreich: Bundeskanzler spricht sich für Homo-Ehe am Standesamt aus". Pride 1 Radio (in German). 16 November 2009.
  16. ^ "ÖVP sperrt sich weiter gegen Standesamt". GGG.at (in German). 16 November 2009.
  17. ^ "Austrian government approves same-sex partnership rights". Top News. 17 November 2009.
  18. ^ TIMM:Österreichs Parlament beschließt Lebenspartnerschaft
  19. ^ "Austrian parliament OKs gay civil unions". 365Gay. Associated Press. 10 December 2009.
  20. ^ "Bundesrat beschließt Homo-Ehe". GGG.at (in German). 18 December 2009.
  21. ^ Template:De icon Bundesgesetzblatt
  22. ^ Template:De icon BUNDESGESETZBLATT FÜR DIE REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
  23. ^ "72 differences to marriage". 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  24. ^ "A straight Austrian couple wants a same-sex marriage". 2010-02-20. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  25. ^ "Austrians seek right to partnerships created for gays" BBC News: 17.05.2010: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8687064.stm
  26. ^ Österreich: Homo-Paare müssen "Ja" sagen dürfen
  27. ^ Österreich führt Stiefkindadoption ein – Kirche poltert
  28. ^ "Austria becomes the 13th European country to allow same-sex second-parent adoption". ILGA Europe. August 1, 2013.
  29. ^ "FAMILIE" (PDF). 2013-06-09 (PDF). Retrieved 2014-04-05. {{cite journal}}: |archive-url= requires |archive-date= (help); Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  30. ^ "SPÖ hat LGBTs (wieder) verraten: kein Wort zu LGBT-Gleichstellung im GroKo-Programm". Thinkoutsideyourbox.net. 13 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Nationalrat: Grüne bringen Antrag zur Ehe-Öffnung für Lesben und Schwule ein". Thinkoutsideyourbox.net. 20 November 2013.
  32. ^ Template:De icon Allgemeines bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, Änderung
  33. ^ Template:De icon Abstimmung über Ehe-Öffnung ohne Klubzwang?
  34. ^ "Schwulen-Ehe ist vor Höchstrichtern". Kurier. 14 October 2013.
  35. ^ Template:De iconVERFASSUNGSGERICHTSHOF B 166/2013-17
  36. ^ "Adoptionsverbot für homosexuelle Partner aufgehoben". Vienna Online. 14 January 2015.
  37. ^ "Österreich: Adoptionsverbot für Homo-Paare verfassungswidrig". Queer.de. 14 January 2015.
  38. ^ Homosexuelle dürfen künftig adoptieren – ohne Gesetzesnovelle
  39. ^ Entschließungsantrag betreffend Ehe für alle, Parliament
  40. ^ Verrat in Rot: SPÖ stimmt im Parlament gegen Ehe-Öffnung, thinkoutsideyourbox.net
  41. ^ Ehe Gleich!
  42. ^ Eheverbot: Parlament fordert Regierung zur Rechtfertigung auf, 24 November 2015, rklamda.at
  43. ^ "Children of same-sex couples protest marriage laws". thelocal.at. 27 November 2015.
  44. ^ "Eight EU Countries Back Same-Sex Marriage". 2006-12-24. Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  45. ^ "Umfrage: Mehrheit will Ehe und Adoptionsrecht für Homosexuelle". Der Standard. 3 November 2013.
  46. ^ "Österreich, ein Hafen der Ehe". Wiener Zeitung. 21 May 2014.
  47. ^ "Mehrheit vom Sinn der Ehe überzeugt". ORF. 21 May 2014.
  48. ^ "Einstellung zur gleichgeschlechtlichen Ehe". Market/ORF/Tinypic. 7 January 2015.
  49. ^ Special Eurobarometer 437
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