Edgars Rinkevic becomes the first openly gay head of state of the European Union

Tags: International News

Latvia's former foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics achieved a historic feat as the first openly gay head of state in the European Union.

An Overview of the News

• Following his role as Foreign Minister, Rinkevic was officially sworn in as President of Latvia.

• Rinkewicz pledged to prioritise the fight for inclusion and equality during his presidency.

• Rinkevics aims to use his limited powers to influence legislation and shape public opinion, with the goal of making Latvia a more inclusive and egalitarian country.

• Rinkevics served as the Foreign Minister of Latvia from 2011 until his recent resignation.

• In November 2014, Rinkewicz publicly came out as gay and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Status of LGBTQ+ rights in Latvia

• Latvia currently bans same-sex marriage, making it illegal within the country.

• Latvia's constitutional court recognized same-sex unions last year, indicating progress toward legal recognition.

Latvia:

• It is a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia.

• The capital of Latvia is Riga, known for its remarkable woodwork and Art Nouveau architecture.

• St. Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination in Riga's mediaeval Old Town.

• Capital - Riga

• Prime Minister - Krisjanis Karins

• Official language - Latvian