Slovenia is a small nation in Central Europe. It is surrounded by Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary and has a population of about 2 million. Census data from 2002 shows that about 60% of the population declares itself Roman Catholic. This percentage has been decreasing over time, but much of the population has Catholic roots.
Since 2006, Slovenia has allowed partnerships between same-sex couples that gave them limited rights. About 5 years ago, a Family Code was introduced that would have given same-sex couples the same rights as opposite-sex couples. This legislation was progressing through Slovenia's Parliament when a right-wing group, whose intention was to "protect families and children" began an opposition movement. The legislation cleared Parliament but was subsequently rejected by a popular vote.
More below the orange Marriage Equality corsage.
In December 2014, a new bill was introduced by the United Left Party. This legislation would legalize same-sex marriage and grant couples all the benefits that other wedded couples have under Slovenian law, including the right to adopt. The bill gained support of other political parties and the government voiced no objection. It has been wending its way through Parliament since December.
In early February, the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Policy and Disability (a committee in the National Assembly) passed the bill by 11 votes to 2.
Today, the Assembly passed the bill by a 51-28 vote in its third reading. Now the National Council has 7 days to decide whether it will require the Assembly to vote on the bill a final time. If the National Council requires another vote, and the bill is again passed, or if the Council approves the bill, it would become law. Unless there is a call for a public vote on the legislation (as happened with the previous bill.)
There seems to be fairly strong multi-partisan support for the bill, both from the parties making up the governing coalition and their opponents. Also, there has been a shift in the degree of support for Marriage Equality from the Slovenian populace. A poll done in 2006 showed that about 31% of respondents approved of same-sex marriage. A poll in 2015 shows that almost 60% of those polled favor Marriage Equality. Unfortunately, there is still a right-wing nidus that is protesting the legislation. They are being supported by the Catholic Church. They're using the tired "protect the children" meme again. But it appears that even if they succeed in getting a popular vote, the outcome would probably be favorable for equal marriage for all.
It looks promising the Slovenia is going to join the other countries that sanction Marriage Equality. Perhaps next on that list will be Ireland.
http://www.gaystarnews.com/...
http://wtop.com/...