The Seimas of Lithuania approved in the first reading a bill on civil unions. The document will allow legal certification of close relationships, including those between people of the same sex.

It reports LRT.

The project in the first reading was supported by 70 deputies, 49 voted against, six abstained.

The bill was prepared by the ruling coalition. It is a kind of attempt at compromise after last year's same-sex partnership bill failed to gain sufficient support. The Civil Unions Bill would allow legal recognition of cohabitation and intimate relationships outside the institution of marriage for legal protection.

An alternative bill to allow same-sex couples to register their relationship was also supported, with 70 votes in favor, 23 against and 30 abstentions.

Both bills will continue to be discussed in committee and will be voted on for a second reading in June.