41 Public Figures Create Public Petition for Legalizing Gay Partnerships

41 public figures, ranging from scholars to singers, have signed a petition, now available for public signing, calling for the legalization of gay partnerships.

Initiated by the MEP Kristiina Ojuland (Reform), the petition calls for a "happier Estonia and a new partnership law".  The document began the appeal with a quote from US author H. Jackson Brown: "People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

It then noted that the happiest countries in the world have tolerant views towards LGBT, while Estonia is ranked next to Malaysia and Myanmar. Ojuland wrote that Estonia currently has a legal vacuum for the rights of sexual minorities, as the partnership law does not expand to same-sex partnerships. „We Estonians are few in number and for that reason we need to stick together, and support and respect every member of society," she wrote.

The petition was signed by 41 public figures ranging from socialite journalist Anu Saagim to the Minister of Culture Rein Lang, with MPs of all factions, scholars, journalists, actors and singers in between.

The petition was put online for public signing yesterday at http://petitsioon.ee/onnelikuma-eesti-ja-partnerlusseaduse-toetuseks and will stay online for three months.

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