Same-Sex Partnerships and the Case of Civil Union Law in Cyprus

This case analyzes the regulatory rights prism surrounding the Civil Union Law (CUL), shedding light on its impact on LGBTQI+ rights and the broader social context in Cyprus. The adoption of CUL in Cyprus on December 9, 2015, marked a crucial development in LGBTQI+ rights. Positioned as the 17th EU country to introduce registered partnerships for same-sex couples, the CUL garnered mixed reactions within Cypriot society.

While granting legal recognition to same-sex couples, the law explicitly denied crucial parenthood rights, sparking public debates and highlighting deep-seated divisions. The socio legal context leading up to the CUL reflected a conservative societal stance, with LGBTQI+ rights often overshadowed by issues of national identity. Legal changes, such as the decriminalization of male homosexuality in 1998, were influenced by political aspirations to join the EU.

However, LGBTQI+ rights remained largely neglected until 2004, when legal penalties for discrimination based on sexual orientation were introduced. Homophobic attitudes persisted, affecting various aspects of Cypriot life, including schools, where bullying based on sexual orientation was prevalent.

The law’s introduction marked an exclusionary context for LGBTQI+ rights but served as a catalyst for non-conflictual activism, employing peaceful means like lobbying and marches. The regulatory rights prism analysis highlights the dual nature of the Cypriot context—exclusionary in terms of LGBTQI+ rights but non-conflictual in the methods employed by activists. While the CUL was a landmark step, its limitations underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Cyprus.

The analysis offers insights into the complex interplay of legal changes, societal attitudes, and the transformative potential of activism.

Context

Exclusionary

Belonging

Persistent

Outcome

Modus vivendi

Irini Kadianaki
Irini Kadianaki

EDI Board and WP2 & WP7 Team Member. Responsible for Cyprus Data collection & Attunement

Elisavet Panagiotou
Elisavet Panagiotou

Doctoral Student

Learn more about this topic

Fallacies in the Concept of Gender in Iraq

After 2003, Iraq made significant strides towards integrating human rights into its national framework, spurred by its interim and subsequent 2005 permanent constitution which ...

The Dialectic of Women’s Political Participation in Iraq in the Face of Hate Speech Leading to Violence

Following the 2003 transition to democracy, Iraq has actively pursued the enhancement of women’s rights and political participation. This effort was influenced by both ...

Freedom of Expression in an Era of Extremism

This case-study explores a good and a bad example of balances being struck around freedom of expression and the protection of minorities or national ...

Toleration vs. Compassion

This case examines the Australian referendum on indigenous rights, specifically focusing on the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The conceptual ...

Read the whole case

Our Regulatory Rights Toolkit for Attuning Everyday Extremism is available free of charge and will allow you to delve deeper into the topics of your interest.