Romanians to vote on 6,7 October on whether to define family as resulting from marriage between a man and a woman

In the first week of October, Romanians will be able to cast their vote in a referendum on whether to define ‘family’ as the result of the marriage between a man and a woman. If the referendum is passed, the definition will be enshrined in the Romanian Constitution. The popular vote will be held over two days, 6-7 September and will cost EUR 43 million.

The proposed amendment to Article 48 of the Constitution says that “The family is based on the freely agreed marriage between a man and a woman, their equality and the right and duty of parents to ensure the raising, education and training of children.”

“In order for the citizens to have the opportunity to express their options regarding the definition of the family in the Romanian Constitution, the referendum will be held for two days, namely 6 and 7 October 2018,” Romanian PM announced on Tuesday at the start of the Government meeting.

“The referendum on redefinition of the family is not one against sexual minorities,” the PM stressed.

The referendum has caused controversy, with many calling for a boycott. The arguments include discrimination of sexual minorities, the high costs involved and redundancy.