Lithuanian parliament considers legal amendments to promote traditional family values

The Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) has begun deliberations on a package of legal amendments aimed at fostering a favourable view of marriage-based families, parenthood, Christian values, and national minorities, LRT reports.

Proposed by the Seimas Temporary Family Policy Group and presented by its chair, Aušrinė Norkienė, the initiative argues that financial incentives alone are insufficient to address Lithuania’s demographic challenges. Norkienė described the amendments as a “culture of life” project, emphasising the need for positive examples of motherhood and fatherhood to create a supportive cultural environment for families.

If approved, the Education Law would be revised to recognise marriage-based families, motherhood, and fatherhood as foundational to society and the state. The amendments also seek to highlight the importance of Christian values in education, with a new objective to “prepare individuals for married family life, motherhood, fatherhood, and harmonious family communication.”

Another proposed change would strengthen parental rights in education, requiring non-formal education programmes to obtain parental or guardian consent. Parents would also gain the authority to decide on the content and necessity of sex education for their children.

The draft laws extend to public broadcasting, with proposed amendments to the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) Law introducing a new mission: promoting a positive view of marriage-based families, parenthood, and childbirth. Supporters argue that current legislation lacks provisions to ensure favourable attitudes toward family and child-rearing.

The proposals passed their initial parliamentary stage with 44 votes in favour, 19 against, and 15 abstentions. They will now be reviewed by Seimas committees before a final vote on April 16, pending government input.