Journal Article

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND FAMILY LIFE

George, Rob

2014

Overview

IN November 2008, Greek Law No. 3719/2008, Reforms Concerning the Family, Children and Society, came into force. Amongst its provisions, it created state-recognised partnerships between two adults of different sexes called \"civil unions\" ('σύmuφωνο συmubetaίωσης'). Civil unions were designed to offer couples who did not wish to marry an alternative, more flexible legal framework for their relationships. The legal consequences of civil unions include the regulation of property rights, paternity, parental responsibility, inheritance and maintenance payments in the event that the union be dissolved. There was a particular focus in the Law's explanatory report on the protection of children born outside of marriage, and of women (particularly mothers) who might be left with inadequate support after lengthy periods of non-marital cohabitation. Same-sex couples were excluded from the scope of civil unions, despite passionate debate during and after the parliamentary process about this issue.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press,CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
• Subject: CASE AND COMMENT / Civil law / Civil unions / Collaboration / Council of Europe / Couples / Court decisions / Courts / Discrimination / European Council / European Court of Human Rights / Families & family life / Family law / Family relations / Gays & lesbians / Homosexual relationships / Homosexuality / Human rights / Judicial power / Law / Legal reform / Marriage law / Partnerships / Same sex marriage / Sexual orientation / Sexual orientation discrimination / Sexuality