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LITHUANIA | LGBTQIA+ rights group warns over proposed referendum on family definition

by Timothy••0

A proposed referendum in Lithuania that would constitutionally define a family exclusively as a marriage between a man and a woman has sparked concern among LGBTQIA+ rights advocates, who warn that the initiative could undermine legal protections for same-sex couples and their children.

The proposal was submitted to the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, on 24 March 2026 by a group of MPs and seeks to amend Article 38 of the country’s Constitution. Supporters have described the move as an exercise in democratic participation, but critics argue that it would reverse recent legal advances in the recognition of diverse family structures.

According to advocacy organisation Forbidden Colours, the proposal directly challenges a ruling issued by Lithuania’s Constitutional Court in April 2025, which found that the state must recognise and protect families regardless of the sex of the partners involved.

The organisation argues that the initiative also conflicts with decisions by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights, both of which have affirmed protections for same-sex families.

Legal concerns raised by parliamentary experts

Lithuania’s own Seimas Legal Department has expressed reservations about the proposed amendment. In its assessment, the department warned that changing the Constitution in this way could disrupt its internal coherence and potentially place Lithuania in conflict with its obligations under European Union law.

The proposal has already passed an initial parliamentary stage. On 9 April, lawmakers voted 50 to 35, with six abstentions, to move the initiative forward for further consideration. It is currently undergoing committee review before returning to the Seimas for debate and a further vote.

If approved by parliament, the referendum would be held alongside Lithuania’s municipal elections in 2027. A turnout of more than 50% would be required for the result to be valid. If a majority of participants vote in favour, parliament would be required to consider implementing the outcome within a month.

Support extends across political parties

One aspect that has particularly alarmed rights groups is the breadth of political support behind the initiative.

The proposal has attracted backing from politicians belonging to both government and opposition parties, including members of parties affiliated with several major political groups in the European Parliament. 

Supporters have come from Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party, the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats, the Democratic Union ‘For Lithuania’, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, the Christian Families Alliance and the Dawn of Nemunas party, among others.

Forbidden Colours argues that this demonstrates how opposition to LGBTQIA+ rights is no longer confined to political fringes but can gain support across the mainstream political spectrum.

The organisation warned that when minority rights become the subject of political bargaining, the consequences can extend beyond a single referendum or country.

Comparisons drawn with developments in Hungary

Campaigners have also drawn parallels with developments in Hungary, where constitutional and legislative changes affecting LGBTQIA+ people formed part of a broader period of democratic backsliding.

Forbidden Colours said measures initially presented as limited legal or cultural debates in Hungary later evolved into wider restrictions on rights and democratic safeguards. The group argues that European institutions should act early to prevent a similar trajectory in Lithuania.

The organisation further claims that Lithuania has become an increasingly important target for international anti-rights movements. Since the beginning of 2026, several conferences organised by conservative and anti-LGBTQIA+ groups have taken place in the country.

Among the organisations cited is the Polish legal group Ordo Iuris, which has previously been criticised by human rights organisations for supporting policies opposed to LGBTQIA+ rights and for positions viewed as sympathetic to Russia’s anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.

Calls for EU intervention

Forbidden Colours is urging European institutions to intervene before the referendum process advances further.

The group has called on the European Commission to engage directly with Lithuanian authorities and make clear that constitutional changes incompatible with EU law would not be accepted. It also wants the Commission to prepare infringement proceedings should any resulting legislation breach European legal standards.

The European Parliament is being urged to debate the issue and scrutinise the proposal, while European political parties are being asked to examine whether support for the referendum is compatible with their stated commitments to equality and fundamental rights.

The organisation has also called on other EU member states to raise concerns with Lithuania through diplomatic channels.

According to Forbidden Colours, the dispute extends beyond one constitutional amendment. The group argues that the referendum has become a test of how far European institutions are willing to defend minority rights, equality and democratic principles when they come under political pressure within a member state.

LGBTQIA+ and travel

Baltic States 2025

  1. REVIEW | The Loft by Brussels Airlines and Lexus business lounge at Brussels Airport A-Gates.
  2. REVIEW | Brussels Airlines Business Class Brussels to Munich.
  3. REVIEW | Lufthansa Business Lounge Schengen and Lufthansa Senator Business Lounge Satellite Schengen at Munich Airport Terminal 2.
  4. REVIEW | Air Baltic Business Class Munich to Tallinn.
  5. REVIEW | Swissotel Tallinn.
  6. TALLINN | Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Estonian Maritime Museum.
  7. TALLINN | Estonian History Museum at the Great Guild Hall.
  8. TALLINN | LGBT tour at Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom.
  9. RAIL BALTICA | Baltic operators launch joint tender for regional trains.
  10. ESTONIA | How to spend a day in Tallinn.
  11. REVIEW | Pullman Riga Old Town.
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  14. RIGA | National Library of Latvia and the Latvian Railway History Museum.
  15. RIGA | Baltā Kaza – Riga Ghetto – Latvian Academy of Sciences.
  16. REVIEW | 3 Pavāru Restorāns / 3 Chefs Restaurant in Riga.
  17. RIGA | Museum of the Barricades of 1991 and Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
  18. LATVIA | Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation.
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  20. RAIL BALTICA  | Tallinn – Valga / Valka – Riga – Vilnius by train.

🇧🇪 Blogger, keen vexillologist, train conductor NMBS/SNCB, traveller, F1 follower, friend of Dorothy.

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