Russian lesbian couple's attempt at marriage fails
Published: 12 May, 2009, 18:01
TAGS: Protest, Politics, Human rights
A Russian lesbian couple has been denied registration of marriage in Moscow. They tried to challenge for the first time the country’s law which does not permit unions of this kind.
Irina Shipiko and Irina Fet booked an appointment for Tuesday, paid the fee and arrived at a Moscow Register Office. However the authorities refused to tie the knot for them, saying the Russian family code did not allow people of the same sex to be married.
Admittedly, they didn’t expect a positive outcome, but rather wanted to draw public attention to same-sex couples being denied legal protection unlike heterosexual couples.
“We have been together for a long time. We are not different from any other couple who want to get married officially. Why can’t we do that?” Irina Shipiko, one of the partners, told RT.
“If we register our relations abroad, we will demand that this marriage is recognized in Russia,” Irina Fet, the other partner, added.
The idea of registering their relationship abroad has already passed the couple’s minds. They have even planned a trip to Canada to finalize their civil partnership.
Apart from Norway, Canada is the only country where gay couples do not need residency to get married. The move is to help the two Irinas make their relationship officially recognised in Russia.
“The Russian family code is clear about this. A marriage abroad can be recognised in Russia, even if it’s a same-sex marriage,” said Nikolay Alekseev, Russian gay rights activist.
The two women’s step is rather unexpected in Russia where homosexuals are still relatively unintegrated into society. Although there is a gay community in Moscow, it is still very much considered taboo and veiled in secrecy.
Gay rights activists say that it will take time not only to legalize same sex marriages in Russia, but also to make them socially acceptable in the country.
Meanwhile, even gay parades in Russia are linked with social and political unrest. Three years ago different organizations broke up the first gay march in Moscow.
Another parade is planned for the duration of the Eurovision Song Contest, but city authorities still insist that Moscow is not a place for gay pride marches.
12.05.2009, 17:47
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Ha! Tomorrow, I will want to marry my dog, which is already married to my neighbor's hamster, and challenge the "outdated" law. I think Russian Constitution should indeed protect normal marriage, where a man and a woman create a union to be one and to procreate. All gay and such, will have to protect their unions by mutual legal agreements, etc. Better yet, repent and ask God to help them to overcome their passions. Cheerz :)
Live and let live people of Russia. Fair enough you can keep marriage between a man and a woman, but perhaps you could offer some form of legal protection for these people that DO exist in Russia (albeit in the closet). However, regardless of your opinion of same-sex relationships, banning a gay protest (it couldn't even be classified as a gay pride parade because there is no pride there) is ridiculous in the 21st century. It's enforcing your opinion (even though it may be that of the majority) down others' throats,
Come to UK and get married, me and my partner are both from the UK, we got married in 2008 and are happily married! Its legal here! I think everyone has the right to marry whoever they chose! Love should not be restricted!