The Kyiv Independent reported the measure passed its first reading on April 28 by a 254-2 vote. More than two dozen advocacy groups said the proposal contradicts European standards and Ukraine’s commitments tied to its European Union accession process. Advocates warned the draft would prevent courts from recognizing same-sex family relationships and would block legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.
The proposal would also invalidate marriages involving people who have changed their gender. The second reading of the proposed measure is a chance to fix all these concerns. Civil society organisations have already prepared detailed amendments and are calling for lawmakers to engage.
Protests are planned across Ukraine on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on 17 May. What happens next will say a lot about the direction Ukraine chooses.
