Gay rights in the Czech Republic

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1 Law against homosexuality
2 Protection based on sexual orientation in law
- 2.1 Recognition of same-sex couples
3 Gay life in the country
4 See also

[edit] Law against homosexuality

Homosexual sex was legalized in 1962. The age of consent was equalized in 1990 (15, before it was 18 for homosexuals). The Army doesn't question sexual orientation of soldiers. Homosexual prostitution was decriminalized in 1990.

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

Since 1999 sexual orientation is treated as a private matter, technically not grounds for discrimination in the military. The 2001 national Labour Code also provides for some anti-discrimination protection.

[edit] Recognition of same-sex couples

There is some legal recognition of same-sex couples. Domestic Partnership (unregistered cohabitation) has been available since 2001. The Czech Republic has granted "persons living in a common household" inheritance and succession rights in housing.

A plan for registered partnerships (civil unions), with some of the rights of marriage, was rejected four times, in 1998, 2001, 2003, and 2005. However, on 16 December 2005 a new civil unions bill was passed by the Czech House of Representatives; it was also adopted by the Senate in 26 January 2006, but later vetoed by the President. On 15 March 2006 the President's veto was overturned by the House of Representatives and the law came into force on 1 July, 2006.

[edit] Gay life in the country

After tight restrictions on everything during the communist era, the Czech Republic has become very liberal after 1989 and is one of the more gay-friendly countries in Central Europe. There is a large gay community in Prague, less so in the rest of the country. In 2004 public opinion showed great support for registered partnerships for same sex couples, with 60% agreeing with such a law.