Recognition of same-sex unions in Slovenia

Slovenia has recognized partnerships for same-sex couples since 23 July 2006. Slovenia's partnership law originally gave same-sex partners access to one another's pensions and property, though since 24 February 2017 it has provided same-sex partners with all the legal rights of marriages, with the exception of adoption and in-vitro fertilisation.

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage was approved by the country's Parliament on 3 March 2015. However, it was rejected in a referendum on 20 December 2015.

A law establishing partnerships was adopted on 22 June 2005, titled Zakon o registraciji istospolne partnerske skupnosti (ZRIPS). The law covers only property relations, the right/obligation to support a socially weaker partner, and inheritance rights to a degree. It does not grant any rights in the area of social security (social and health insurance, pension rights) and it does not confer the status of a next-of-kin to the partners. The adoption of this law sparked a political debate in the National Assembly, with Slovenian National Party deputies opposing recognition of same-sex partners. The opposition Social Democrats and Liberals, arguing that the law proposed was too weak, refused to take part in the voting, leaving the chamber. The vote succeeded with 44 votes for and 3 against.

A more comprehensive Registered Partnership Bill passed the first reading in Parliament in July 2004 but was rejected by Parliament during the second reading in March 2005. The bill would have provided for all rights inherent to marriage apart from joint adoption rights.

On 31 March 2005, the Government proposed a new partnership bill, described above, providing access to pensions and property. It was passed in July 2005, and became effective on 23 July 2006.

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