On 22 January 2026, a new version of the Civil Code of Ukraine was registered in the Verkhovna Rada (Draft Law No. 14394). The draft has triggered serious concern and widespread criticism from Ukrainian civil society organizations.
The proposed amendments explicitly exclude same-sex couples from the scope of family and civil law, introducing new legal barriers and significantly complicating everyday life for thousands of families in Ukraine. By defining family unions exclusively as unions between different-sex couples, the draft denies legal recognition to same-sex families, invalidates family unions involving transgender persons, and maintains the existing ban on adoption by same-sex couples.
Ukraine’s European integration depends on upholding its commitments to ensure equality before the law for all citizens. Adoption of this draft law would represent a significant departure from that course.
If adopted, the amendments would further marginalize LGBTIQ+ people in Ukraine and undermine the country’s stated commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and European integration.
These provisions constitute a clear regression in the protection of human rights. They are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on equality, family life, and non-discrimination, as well as EU negotiating requirements under Chapter 23 and other core documents essential to Ukraine’s successful European integration, including the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership.
In times of war, the consequences of lacking legal protection for one’s family have become both visible and urgent. LGBTIQ+ people are bravely defending their homeland and suffering from Russia’s aggression, yet they and their families are not provided the same legal protection as other people in Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities must take the necessary steps to ensure that such protection is granted swiftly and effectively.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee express our full solidarity with Ukrainian civil society organizations and their joint appeal to the Ukrainian authorities.
- We support their call for the legislative process concerning Draft Law No. 14394 to be halted and for the draft to be revised in accordance with international human rights standards, Ukraine’s European integration obligations, and the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination.
- We recommend that the Ukrainian authorities initiate a transparent and inclusive public consultation process, ensuring meaningful participation of civil society and independent experts.
- We also encourage a comprehensive expert review of the draft law against EU and Council of Europe standards, including those related to gender equality, non-discrimination, child protection, and freedom of expression.
Read a joint statement from Ukrainian civil society organizations