The Lithuanian parliament has passed legislation that defines “family” in the Baltic state as the married union of a man and a woman together with their children, adopted or biological. The new Family Policy Concept confirms and clarifies the Lithuanian constitution, which says that “marriage shall be concluded upon the free and mutual consent of man and woman”. The neighbouring state of Latvia has also confirmed that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman.

A member of the Lithuanian parliament, Valdemar Tomasevski, has further proposed legislation to protect the unborn child. In a 100-signature petition, members of the European parliament from 19 countries of the EU have affirmed that such a law would not be in conflict with European law or commitments arising from membership of the EU. “We welcome Lithuanian parliamentarians’ efforts to ensure better protection for children prior to birth,” reads the petition. Lithuania was one of the first countries to legalise abortion, in 1955, when it was part of the former Soviet Union. ~ LifeSite News, June 10