Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften

Abstract:
The EPG (Act on Registered Partnerships) raises fundamental questions regarding international law, European Union law and human rights. Particular attention must be given to those essential differences relating to the estab- lishment, status and dissolution of the Registered Partnership as well as other fundamental distinctions such as the exclusion of children’s interests, the express prohibition on adoption and the ban of medically assisted reproduction. It is especially critical to note the disproportionate relationship between the package of rights and duties bestowed on the registered partners and the specific reasons for dissolution and consequences thereof. The registered partners need only consider the horizontal axis of the relationship and provide support on this level. But this fails to take into account the fact that society is increasingly dependent on familial solidarity and functioning support networks, and also notably, how it affects the relationship with the children and their perception of self within the (patchwork) family.