Liechtenstein registered partnership referendum, 2011
Encyclopedia
A referendum on approving the registered partnership law was held in Liechtenstein
from 17 June to 19 June 2011. The registered partnership law was approved by 68.8 percent of voters and went into effect on 1 September 2011.
in the second reading on March 16 and published on March 21, 2011. However, the group Vox Populi, led by a cousin of archbishop Wolfgang Haas
, announced its intention to force a referendum. According to the constitution
, the organisation had until 21 April (30 days) to collect at least 1000 signatures. Because the necessary signatures were gathered (1208 valid signatures), a referendum was held on the evening of 17 June and the morning of 19 June 2011.
"Vox Populi" and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vaduz.
Liechtenstein
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over , and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz. The biggest town is Schaan...
from 17 June to 19 June 2011. The registered partnership law was approved by 68.8 percent of voters and went into effect on 1 September 2011.
Background
The registered partnership law (Lebenspartnerschaft) was passed unanimously by the Landtag of LiechtensteinLandtag of Liechtenstein
The Diet is the parliament or legislature of Liechtenstein. It has 25 members, elected for a four year term by proportional representation in two multi-seat constituencies....
in the second reading on March 16 and published on March 21, 2011. However, the group Vox Populi, led by a cousin of archbishop Wolfgang Haas
Wolfgang Haas
Wolfgang Haas is the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Vaduz in Liechtenstein. He was ordained a priest as well as incardinated in Chur on April 7, 1974. At the request of the bishop of Chur Johannes Vonderach, Haas was appointed to the position of coadjutor bishop of Chur on March 25,...
, announced its intention to force a referendum. According to the constitution
Constitution of Liechtenstein
There has been a written constitution in the Principality of Liechtenstein since 5 October 1921. It was granted by Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein, and established the rule of parliamentary democracy mixed with that of constitutional monarchy. It has twelve chapters covering the...
, the organisation had until 21 April (30 days) to collect at least 1000 signatures. Because the necessary signatures were gathered (1208 valid signatures), a referendum was held on the evening of 17 June and the morning of 19 June 2011.
Campaign
Approval of the registered partnership law was supported by the government and all parties in the Landtag, while disapproval was supported by the socially conservative advocacy groupAdvocacy group
Advocacy groups use various forms of advocacy to influence public opinion and/or policy; they have played and continue to play an important part in the development of political and social systems...
"Vox Populi" and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vaduz.
Results
The referendum achieved a good turnout of about 70 percent as of Friday evening because of a large majority of voters who had already used postal voting. Total turnout was 74.2 percent.External links
- Referendum homepage (German)
- Website of supporters (German)
- Website of opponents (German)