Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption: Socio-political context of the rights of gay and lesbian people in Belgium

Abstract

Belgium is considered as being in the forefront of a number of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). In the 1990s, the law on legal cohabitation made it possible for same-sex couples to draw up cohabitation contracts. Belgium then became the second country in Europe to authorise marriage between same-sex partners in 2003, as well as opening up access to parenthood in 2006. The aim of this paper is to describe the changes that have taken place in Belgian legislation from traditional family law through to the opening up of marriage and parenthood to same-sex couples, analysing the arguments which have been put forward in support and against it, as well as the potential rationale behind shared agendas. It will also describe the emergence of the LGBT movement in Belgium, the various non-governmental organisations that are active in the country and the role they play. An overview of current events will be presented (changes in the number of marriages, divorces and adoptions in Belgium). Finally, the paper will discuss the issues concerning social acceptance of same-sex couples and families, and the challenges that LGBT people living in Belgium still have to face.