EU politicians, including European commissioner Violeta Bulc, are urging Slovenia to back same-sex marriage as early voting begins Tuesday on a referendum that could overturn a controversial marriage equality law. If the country supports gay marriage — as Irish voters did in May 2015 — Slovenia would break new ground, becoming the first Central European, Slavic and post-Communist nation to do so. In contrast, more than 10 Western European countries have implemented same-sex marriage laws. The referendum results will be released Sunday. Voters are deciding whether to uphold a Slovenian law passed in March that legalizes gay marriage.
Bulc, Slovenia’s member of the European Commission, told POLITICO she filmed a video for the “Za” (Yes) campaign with members of her team in a personal capacity, after being denied use of the Commission’s official television studios.
While European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality, including through the Commission’s official communication channels, Bulc’s team said they were rebuffed because the institution does not have a position on the Slovenia referendum.
Full Article: Slovenia launches vote on gay marriage – POLITICO.