Recognition of same-sex unions in Vietnam
Vietnam does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships, unregistered cohabitation, or any other form of recognition for same-sex couples. Article 36(1) of the 2013 Constitution of Vietnam states that "marriage must adhere to the principles of voluntariness, progressiveness, monogamy, and equality between husband and wife." Legal history Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Vietnam, despite attempts at legalisation in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, the Government of Vietnam announced it would no longer fine people who carry out public same-sex wedding ceremonies; however, these unions have no legal recognition, and as such same-sex couples are unable to access the rights and benefits of marriage, including with regard to social security, inheritance, adoption, common ownership of property and goods, tax benefits, and others. Background Attempts to hold unofficial same-sex marriages in the late 1990s were met with mixed reactions from the government. A male couple held a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City in 1997. One official stated, "It should be publicly condemned." However, the police said that there was no legal framework under which the two men could be charged. Another attempt in 1998 by a lesbian couple in the province of Vĩnh Long, however, was officially sanctioned.