Published November 5th: For thousands of children in the European Union, crossing borders can mean they're on their own.
The reason is simple: when moving between one country to another, their parents are no longer recognised as their real parents - just because they're the same sex.
Now the Court took yet another step to say that if a country provides legal recognition to unmarried heterosexual couples in a form of civil unions, same-sex couples also must be able to benefit from such legal recognition.
European consensus on the legal recognition of same-sex partnership is constantly growing and we welcome the fact the Court is taking it into account and reflect in its jurisprudence.” Livio Zilli, Senior Legal Adviser at the International Commission of Jurists, said: “The Court reiterated that the Convention was a living instrument to be interpreted in the present-day conditions and that the state was obliged under the Convention to take account of societal developments, as well as of the fact that there was no single way or choice when it came to people’s exercise and enjoyment of their right to family or private life.” In its decision, the Court ruled that Greece had failed to provide a convincing justification for excluding same-sex couples.
Singer and the other defendants in the ongoing lawsuits deny wrongdoing and have filed motions to have the complaints dismissed.
Geffen was not accused of any misconduct in the suits nor named as a defendant.
Their guests included relative newcomer Bryan Singer, now the director of the X-Men movies, and legendary media mogul David Geffen, both of whom were investors in DEN.
“All Member States of the Council of Europe must condemn any form of discrimination against homosexuals.Same-sex families often stop being considered a family as soon as they set foot in a different country in the European Union - because the EU lacks a general legal framework to recognise these couples and their children across borders.We call on you to address this situation and ensure mutual recognition of same-sex families, wherever they are.Homosexual couples, as heterosexual couples, involved in a stable relationship, should benefit from a legal recognition” , said Karim Lahidji, FIDH President.He added: “Twenty-two of the Member States of the Council of Europe have created a legal form of recognition for same-sex couples.