The Czech Republic has recognized registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 1 July 2006. Registered partnerships grant several of the rights of marriage, including inheritance, the right to declare a same-sex partner as next of kin, hospital visitation rights, jail and prison visitation rights, spousal privilege and alimony rights. The registered partnership law was passed in March 2006 and went into effect on 1 July 2006. The Czech Republic also recognizes unregistered cohabitation status for "persons living in a common household", granting inheritance and succession rights in housing.
A same-sex marriage bill passed its first reading in the Chamber of Deputies in June 2023, but was rejected at third reading in February 2024 in favor of a bill expanding the rights of registered partnerships. This bill was approved by the Senate in April 2024 and was later signed by President Petr Pavel. The law, which grants registered partners the same rights, obligations and responsibilities as married opposite-sex couples, apart from the title of marriage and joint adoption—though stepchild adoption is permitted—went into force on 1 January 2025. Polling suggests that a large majority of Czechs support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
