Lithuania’s Justice Ministry has asked courts to postpone the enforcement of rulings legalising civil partnerships for at least 12 months, citing the need for time to establish registration procedures and update state registers.
“The Justice Ministry has maintained a consistent position on postponing the enforcement of the court rulings in all cases by submitting its response,” the ministry told BNS.
Officials said additional technical solutions and funding are needed before partnerships can be registered, meaning rulings cannot be implemented immediately.
So far, courts have issued two rulings in favour of applicants seeking partnership recognition. In both cases, judges rejected the ministry’s requests for delays.
In an August decision, the Vilnius District Court ruled that postponement would violate applicants’ legitimate expectations and interests, noting that lawmakers have failed for 24 years to adopt legislation regulating partnerships, including of same-sex couples.
This year, the Vilnius City District Court has received 15 partnership applications, with several cases still pending, court spokesman Giedrius Janonis said.
Such cases followed a Constitutional Court ruling that opened the door for gender-neutral partnerships to be registered through the courts until the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, enacts specific legislation.
Prime Minister-designate Inga Ruginienė said last week that her incoming government will propose a bill on gender-neutral partnerships, but cautioned that differing views within the ruling coalition could limit the scope of the legislation.
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