“Geregistreerd partnerschap” or registered partnership is a form of a civil union. It was introduced in the Netherlands in 1998 to allow same-sex couples to enjoy some of the same rights as married partners. The partnership is not limited to same-sex couples though: Male and female partners can also join in a registered partnership.
The Geregistreerd Partnerschap can be seen as the predecessor of the same-sex marriage, which became legal in the Netherlands in 2001; the first country in the world to recognize such unions. There is now a discussion whether there is still a need for registered partnerships.
One of the first same-sex marriages in the Netherlands, 2001. Credits: Jeffpw, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Sources
- “Geregistreerd Partnerschap,” Wikipedia (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geregistreerd_partnerschap : version 25 March 2016 17:13).
- “Homohuwelijk,” Wikipedia (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homohuwelijk : version 1 May 2016 12:59).
About Yvette Hoitink
