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Hungarian Court Strikes Down Heterosexual and Same-sex Civil Unions over Damage to the Family

By Ellen M. Rice

BUDAPEST, Hungary, December 16, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) — Yesterday Hungary's Constitutional Court struck down Parliament’s Domestic Partnership Act, which gave legal recognition to unmarried and same-sex partnerships, because the Act diminished the importance of true marriage.

The Domestic Partnership Act, passed by parliament in 2007, was meant to give any couple the same rights as those enjoyed by married couples.  It gave heterosexual and homosexual couples next of kin status, taxation benefits, health care, inheritance, social security, pension and shared property rights.  It was set to take effect on January 1, 2009.

The Hungarian Court says the new legislation is unconstitutional because it would give unmarried heterosexual couples practically the same rights as married ones, "downgrading" the institution of marriage.  However, it ruled that a new partnership bill for homosexual couples would be constitutional.

The UK’s homosexual news source, Pink News, reports that Prime Minister Ference Gyurcsany said a new homosexual partnership bill will be prepared, but predicted strong opposition from MPs who only voted for the Domestic Partnership Act in order to benefit heterosexual couples. 

Pink News also states that a 2008 Nepszabadsag opinion survey found high public opposition to homosexual relationships.  60% of Hungarians condemned homosexuality, while 30% “disapproved of gay people.”  Only 12% of Hungarians thought same-sex relationships are completely normal

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