Two Latvian men, Maksims Ringo and Janis Locs, have become the first same-sex couple to register their partnership as a civil union under a new nationwide law that went into effect on Monday. Other couples have begun lining up outside of the country’s notary offices, eager to register their own unions as quickly as possible, one national gay rights activist noted.

The couple registered their union at a legal office in the capital city of Riga, just after midnight on Monday. They exchanged silver rings at a party in the city’s main library with the hopes of replacing them with gold rings if Latvia ever legalizes same-sex marriage, Reuters reported.

Related

Latvia’s Edgars Rinkēvičs sworn in as president, becoming 7th out leader of a nation ever
“Latvia is a sovereign, free, and democratic country. But it must be legal and fair for all,” he said in his inaugural address.

“We are together for five and a half years … so for us, it’s mostly practical,” Ringo said, noting that they got a civil union to secure certain civil rights like hospital visitation. The legal unions also provide some tax and social security benefits, though they don’t allow for adoption or full inheritance rights.

Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox

Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today