Mariage et partenariat de même sexe en Europe [Vingt ans d'expérience]

In: Politiques sociales et familiales, Band 99, Heft 1, S. 73-84

Abstract

Same-sex marriage and partnership in Europe. Twenty years of experience.
This article offers a comparative analysis of the frequency with which same-sex couples register in twelve European Union member States. Where this is possible, the author uses statistics published by national statistics offices. However, estimates cannot be avoided to offset the lack of statistics concerning same-sex couples. The comparative analysis also uses legal factors and political debate through an analysis of the press, opinion polls and sociological surveys of same-sex couples. The results highlight major contrasts between countries. Scandinavian countries and Germany, which tend to serve as precursors, recorded a low rate of registered partnerships. Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg), France and Spain were average. The United Kingdom and Switzerland recorded a high rate. Various usages refer to the different statuses (universel or specific for same-sex couples) of the legal arrangments. They also refer to the values accorded to the family and the welfare state.