Same-Sex Couples and Same-Sex Unions in Europe

Most West-European countries recognize same-sex marriage and/or same-sex partnerships. Taken together as Same-Sex Union Registration (SSUR), this paper proposes a comparative study of European SSUR rates. It highlights major differences between low and high SSUR rates, male and female participation, and other contrasting characteristics. For some countries, especially France, data admit detailed description of same-sex couples and SSUR rates. The French example is particularly interesting as it is the European country of highest SSUR rates. The paper will suggest some explaining hypotheses.

First, individualization of the family seems to have paradoxical effects on SSUR: it facilitates SSUR legislation, but it goes with low SSUR rates. The Netherlands might be an exception to this model. Second, high feminist values have equally paradoxical effects. They strongly opposed SSUR at the beginning, but took major advantage of it immediately after. The French situation is rather intermediate at both issues, and seems to benefit greatly of the non-traditional character of the partnership (pacs).