A Latvian court recognises the right of the other parent in a same-sex couple’s family to receive parental allowance and childcare allowance

A ruling by the Administrative District Court, recognising the right of the other parent in a same-sex couple’s family to parental allowance and childcare allowance, has come into effect. This is the first judgement of its kind to recognise the right of both partners in a same-sex couple to receive state-guaranteed parental support.

The case was initiated after the State Social Insurance Agency repeatedly refused to grant benefits to a parent from a same-sex couple who is not the child’s biological parent.

In granting the applicant’s application, the Court stated in its judgement that a family may also be formed on the basis of a same-sex relationship, and that a same-sex couple raising a child together is entitled to the social benefits guaranteed by the State to the child’s parent, regardless of the parent’s sex.

Pro bono legal assistance to the applicant’s family was provided by COBALT Managing Partner Lauris Liepa and Associate Gabriela Šantare.