An upcoming amendment to the Registry Act in the Czech Republic is set to enhance the process of concluding registered partnerships by allowing them to be entered into at any registry office. Currently, registered partnerships can only be conducted in 14 specific locations, with Prague 1 City Hall being the sole authority for registrations in Prague. The Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic has provided details about the amendment on its website, outlining additional changes such as the establishment of a centralized registry information system, a tripartite agreement for determining paternity, and strengthened children’s rights in name change decisions.

The key change introduced by the amendment is the implementation of a centralized registry information system called eMatrika. This modern electronic system will connect with other public administration information systems and be utilized by all registry offices and designated diplomatic missions abroad. The introduction of eMatrika aims to streamline registry procedures, reducing administrative burdens for both officials and citizens who require registry data.

The new system offers several advantages, such as the ability to obtain a birth certificate from any registry and the existence of electronic registry documents. Exact extracts from registry books, alternative name forms, and electronically issued certificates for church weddings will also be available. The eMatrika system is expected to be operational by January 1, 2027.

The amendment seeks to eliminate the need for individuals to travel long distances to specific registry offices to conclude a registered partnership. This change represents an important step towards addressing the disadvantages faced by the LGBTQ+ community and other individuals. Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior, emphasized that the amendment aims to simplify life for these individuals, enabling partners to enter into a partnership in their own municipality instead of having to travel to regional capitals.

Under the amendment, the declaration of entering into a partnership, whether for registered partnerships or traditional weddings, will be possible at any suitable location within the administrative district of the relevant registry office.

In addition to the changes related to registered partnerships, the amendment also includes modifications to family law. One notable change is the provision for determining paternity through a tripartite agreement at the registry office, involving the consent of the mother, her husband (who is not the biological father), and the biological father. Furthermore, children’s rights in decisions regarding name changes will be strengthened, with the age limit for their consent reduced from 15 to 12 years. The amendment also allows for the inclusion of diminutive or familiar names in the registry book.

The proposed law aims to implement these changes starting from January 1, 2024.

Article by Prague Forum