Open AccessThe New Gay and Lesbian Partnership Law in Germany
Author(s) -
Greg Taylor
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alberta law review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1925-8356
pISSN - 0002-4821
DOI - 10.29173/alr1337
Subject(s) - legislation , legislature , german , lesbian , law , interdependence , general partnership , political science , politics , constitutional court , constitutional review , legislative history , sociology , constitution , history , gender studies , archaeology
This article explores the recently-enacted German registered partnerships law: An Act To End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Partnerships. The Author first considers the range of options open to a legislature wishing to recognize same-sex unions partnerships. The author then critically and thoroughly analyzes the legislation: he gives a brief history of the political developments leading to the legislation and the important effect of these developments on shaping the Act as it came into force on 1 August 2001; provides timely legal commentary on controversial provisions and omissions of the Act; and contrasts the legislation with Alberta's Adult Interdependent Relationships Act The various constitutional challenges to the Act, and the German Federal Constitutional Court's response to these arguments are explored, with some discussion of the possible implication of the German issues to the Canadian situation.