THE RIGHTS OF SAME-SEX COUPLES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Abstract

One of the most controversial topics of the 21st century is the legalization of same-sex partnerships, i.e. the question of providing equal treatment to heterosexual and homosexual persons and a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. Currently, numerous discussions are being held in the EU member states on whether national legislation should introduce legal norms that allow same-sex marriages and legal partnerships. The regulation of the rights of same-sex couples in the EU is very diverse. Certain member states of the EU have not yet legally regulated the samesex partnerships, which means that there same-sex couples cannot exercise any rights because their partnership does not exist legally.

The aim of this paper is to provide a more accurate understanding and more precise knowledge of the legal regulation of same-sex partnership in the EU, with particular reference to the Republic of Croatia. Furthermore, this paper discusses jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union in order to explore progress in legalization and liberalization of same-sex partnerships at EU level.