GayLawNet^®

National

In 1990, the age of consent for consensual sex between same-sex couples was equalised at 15 years [R1.1].

National

On 01 July 2006, the registered partnership law took effect [R1.1].

The Czech Republic is the first country in the region to allow same-sex civil unions.

Registered same-sex couples receive inheritance and health care rights comparitive to those of heterosexual couples [R1.2]

Previously:

In March 2006, the Lower House passed a Bill which later was passed by the Senate, creating a domestic partnership registry and extending to same-sex couples most of the same rights as married couples [R1.3] . The Czech president vetoed the measure however, the Lower House overruled the veto [R1.3].

In October 2001, the lower chamber of the Czech parliament rejected a draft law that would grant certain legal rights to gays and lesbians, returning it to the government for revision [R1.4].

Partnership bills failed three times in Parliament, in 1998, 1999 and in 2001 [R1.5].

In September 2001, the Czech Republic cabinet approved and sent to parliament legislation to legalise homosexual partnerships [R1.6].

In September 2001, there was strong opposition from Czech catholics however a recent poll found 41% of Czechs supported legal recognition of gay couples and 33% opposed it [R1.7].

In December 2000, a Justice Ministry draft proposal for recognition of gay and lesbian couples had the approval of Czech activists [R1.8].

In May 2000, Government Human Rights Commissioner Petr Uhl repeated a call for a new bill to legalize "registered partnerships" for same-sex couples. The ruling Social Democratic Party (CSSD) appeared to a domestic partnership law, however the conservative Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) - strongly oppose it [R1.9].

In December 1999, Czech MPs rejected a legislative bill on homosexual couples which was hotly disputed between supporters of equal rights and critics who said it would erode family values [R1.10].

In March 1999, the Chamber of Deputies agreed in principle to pass the draft bill proposing legal rights for registered homosexual couples, clearing its second legislative hurdle [R1.11].

In May 1998, the parliament of the Czech Republic has voted down a gay registered partnership scheme by only two votes [R1.12].

National

In December 2009, it was reported that the Republic had opted out of the European Union's Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force December 1 and incorporates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights [R1.1].

In October 2008, Labour and Social Affairs minister, Petr Necas said the Czech Republic could face an official complaint from the European Commission and financial sanctions over its failure to introduce an EU directive on discrimination into its legislation [R1.2].

In September 2008, a key parliamentary vote on an anti-discrimination bill that would bring the Czech Republic into line with other EU nations was delayed until after elections to the Senate [R1.3].

In 1999, discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation became unlawful [R1.4].

National

In 1962, consensual sex between same-sex couples was decriminalised [R1.1].

National

Registered same-sex couples receive inheritance rights comparitive to those of heterosexual couples [R1.1].

National

The Army reportedly doesn't question the sexual orientation of soldiers, and allows homosexuals to serve openly [R1.1].

National

As at February 2008, the law in Czechoslovakia does not permit adoption of children by same-sex couples [R1].