Same-Sex Couples Can Now Legally Marry in Liechtenstein
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Loading... - Jasper Cobus
- 28 Mar 2025
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Liechtenstein has officially legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the 22nd of Europe’s 37 nations to embrace marriage equality. The law was passed by the Landtag, Liechtenstein’s parliament, in May 2022 with an overwhelming vote of 24–1.
Prior to this significant change, the country had offered registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 2011. The new legislation not only allows same-sex couples to marry but also simplifies the administrative process for those who previously registered their partnerships, enabling them to convert their partnerships into marriages seamlessly.
With a population of just under 40,000, Liechtenstein's journey toward marriage equality reflects a broader trend across Europe. According to the Office of Statistics, only 43 same-sex partnerships were registered in the country between 2011 and 2022. However, the legal landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. In 2016, the Landtag revised family name laws to allow registered partners to adopt their partner's last name. Furthermore, in June 2021, the highest court ruled that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children, and the following year, a bill was passed permitting same-sex partners to adopt stepchildren.
Public support for marriage equality has been strong, with over 80 percent of Landtag candidates expressing their support for legalizing same-sex marriage in the lead-up to the February 2021 parliamentary elections. In September 2022, the Landtag took a decisive step by passing a motion to draft a same-sex marriage bill, culminating in the recent legalization.
This landmark decision marks a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in Liechtenstein, reflecting a commitment to equality and inclusivity in the nation.
