Ukraine plan to give rights to LGBTQ partners of war casualties

Ukraine’s parliament and government have brought forward proposals to ensure the rights of same-sex partners of those injured or deceased in service. 

The Kyiv Post reports that currently, in the event of a serving military LGBTQ individual losing their life, the partner lacks the privileges granted to heterosexual partners.

The proposals are designed to dovetail with the EU’s 2021 Action Plan for Human Rights which aims, amongst other things, to “combat all forms of discrimination against LGBTI persons, including LGBTI-phobic violence and hate speech.”

At present, the LGBTQ partner of a casualty does not possess the right to be involved in decisions regarding medical treatment or funeral preparations; has no legally protected inheritance rights; and no eligibility for compensation.

The legislation was put forward in parliament by Inna Sovsum of the opposition Holos Party, a liberal, pro-European party.

🏳️‍🌈🇺🇦Today, I submitted a draft law on the legalization of same-sex partnerships to Ukrainian parliament.

Today 56% of Ukrainians support same-sex partnerships! So, I hope the majority of the parliament, including @ZelenskyyUa party will take the lead from the people! pic.twitter.com/uQnCUAPVjt

— Inna Sovsun (@InnaSovsun) March 7, 2023

In the last week, two parliamentary committees, one for European integration and one for digital transformation, both unanimously voted in favour of Sovsun’s draft bill.

Sovsun also referred to a petition launched last year which called for marriage equality.

In August, Zelenskyy responded to the petition, which was signed by thousands, and, according to CNN, said he would work with the government to ensure “all people are free and equal in their dignity and rights”.