Czech law bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Numerous Czech-based corporations have declared an open letter requesting same-sex marriage within the nation, which was sent on 6 September Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in after scientific research by Kurt Freund led to the conclusion that homosexual orientation cannot be changed see the History of penile plethysmograph. The age of consent was equalized in to 15 — it had previously been 18 for homosexuals.
Homosexual prostitution was decriminalized in There is legal recognition of same-sex couples. Since , the Czech Republic has granted "persons living in a common household" inheritance and succession rights in housing, [ 7 ] [ 9 ] as well as hospital and prison visitation rights similar to married heterosexual couples.
A bill legalizing registered partnership , with some of the rights of marriage, was rejected four times, in , , and On 12 June , a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, sponsored by 46 deputies, was introduced to the Chamber of Deputies. On 22 June , the Government announced its support for the same-sex marriage bill. In , the Czech government indicated that the legislation of same-sex marriage rights may be reconsidered.
In , the legislation of same-sex marriage was turned down. Instead, a compromise bill was passed, in which same-sex partnerships would be enshrined into the civil code, equating partnerships to marriage in all aspects except joint adoption, although step-child adoption would be permitted.
The bill will take effect on January 1, Ban on adoption by those living in registered partnership was struck down by the Constitutional Court in The laws don't include provisions for joint adoption of a child by a same-sex couple. However, individuals who live in same-sex relationships be it informal or registered partnerships can adopt a child concurrently, thus bringing parental rights to both. IVF treatment requires a designation of male partner father-to-be for legal purposes by the IVF recipients.
