Lithuanian justice ministry accused of homophobic stance over same-sex partnership rulings

Lithuania’s Justice Ministry is facing criticism for systematically appealing court decisions that recognise same-sex partnerships, with LGBT+ rights advocates calling the ministry’s position “homophobic,” LRT reports.

The ministry, led by Rita Tamašunienė, has repeatedly challenged rulings obliging it to register partnerships between same-sex couples, despite a 2023 Constitutional Court decision that opened the door for gender-neutral partnerships. The court ruled last April that the Civil Code’s restriction of partnerships to opposite-sex couples was unconstitutional, allowing courts to recognise same-sex unions until parliament adopts detailed regulations.

Instead of implementing the ruling, the ministry has appealed court decisions granting partnerships, prompting affected couples to seek enforcement through bailiffs. Jonas Valaitis of the Tolerant Youth Association accused the ministry of using “lack of legal clarity” as a pretext, arguing that political motives drive the appeals. “The ministry cannot cite its own inaction as a reason for failing to enforce court rulings,” he said, labelling the ministry’s stance as “homophobic.”

Protests are planned during Vilnius Pride on June 6, with participants urged to leave pink triangles—a symbol used to mark gay men in Nazi concentration camps—outside the Justice Ministry. “Human rights are not a privilege; they must be constantly defended,” said Artūras Rudomanskis, the association’s chair, criticising the ministry’s treatment of LGBT+ rights as “less important.”

Simona Padegimaitė, whose partnership was recognised by a court, called the ministry’s resistance a “symbolic” obstacle. “The ruling gives little practical clarity,” she said, noting that unregistered partnerships still block access to benefits like housing support for young families.