Edgars Rinkevics: European Union’s first overtly homosexual head of state sworn in as Latvia’s president

The European Union’s first overtly homosexual head of state has been sworn in in Latvia.

Edgars Rinkevics served as international minister from 2011 and was sworn in as president on Saturday after his election in May.

Mr Rinkevics got here out publicly in 2014, posting on Twitter: “I proudly announce I am gay… Good luck all of you.”

At the time he pledged to combat for homosexual individuals to have equal relationship rights.

Same-sex marriage just isn’t authorized in Latvia, however civil partnerships have been obtainable to homosexual {couples} since final 12 months.

Latvia’s presidency is essentially a ceremonial submit and the top of state acts primarily as an opinion chief and uniting determine within the nation.

The president’s duties embody representing Latvia overseas, appearing because the supreme commander of the armed forces, signing payments into legislation, and nominating the prime minister.

The EU has had overtly homosexual individuals elected as heads of presidency earlier than – together with Ireland’s Leo Varadkar – however by no means a homosexual head of state.

Many nations have two individuals performing the roles of head of state and head of presidency – within the UK, the King is head of state.

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In his inaugural speech on Saturday, Mr Rinkevics pledged “to stand up for a modern and strong Latvia, for a legal and just Latvia, for the wellbeing of the people, for an inclusive and respectful society”.

He added: “The rights of every person must be respected and protected in accordance with the highest human rights values and standards.”

He additionally vowed to proceed Latvia’s assist for the “heroic Ukrainian people”, saying the nation’s international coverage “does not have time for mistakes”.

Mr Rinkevics, 49, is the seventh president of Latvia, a nation of 1.8 million that has been a member of the EU and NATO because it regained its independence in 1991.