Happy Day for Finnish Rainbow Families

28 Nov 2014

The Network of European LGBT Families Associations welcomes the historical vote today by the Finnish Parliament opening marriage and family equality for same-sex couples and their children in Finland.

Maria Von Känel, NELFA's President, said: "This is very exciting news. Finland has now joined the family of European nations that recognise the importance of rainbow families and the need to provide them with the same degree of legal protection and social recognition of any other family. This victory is the result of the work of many committed activists, and I would like to say here a special thank you to our Finnish members, Sateenkaariperheet – Regnbågsfamiljer, for all the wonderful grassroots work they did to change hearts and minds".

Sari Kemppinen, NELFA Board Member and mother, added: "I couldn't feel happier. This is a great day for my own family. I'm so proud of our Parliament and that they agreed to say 'I do'".

Iina Särkkä, NELFA Board Member and mother, also said: "This is a great day for all Finnish families. More equality is good for everyone, not just for LGBT persons. I agree with our Prime Minister when he said today to the media that he was sincerely happy that marriage equality, gender equality and human rights prevailed in this issue”.

About NELFA:

NELFA is the European platform of LGBT families associations, bringing together LGBT parents and parents-to-be from all over Europe. NELFA currently represents 23 organisations in 15 European countries with more than 23,000 members. NELFA is a member of ILGA- Europe and Transgender Europe.