Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage

The Baltic nation of Estonia announced that as of today, same-sex couples will be able to marry, similar to the Baltic country's Nordic neighbors, following steps toward modernization taken after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

With its parliament legalizing same-sex marriage in June, Estonia became the first among former Soviet republics to take this step. In the 101-seat parliament, 55 deputies supported the amendment to the family law, while 34 voted against it.

One of the commitments of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who won the election in February and formed the most progressive coalition in the country's history, was to ensure marriage equality.

Baltic Pride Festival project manager Keio Soomelt noted, "This is an important moment that shows Estonia is part of Northern Europe."

Soomelt said, "The government is finally sending the message to LGBT+ couples that we are equal to other couples."

The bill, which became law in June, entered into force as of January 1.

Soomelt added, "The government is finally giving LGBT+ couples the message that we are equal to other couples."