President Vaclav Klaus has rejected a written request by the prime
minister urging the president to sign a bill on same-sex partnerships,
which has been passed in both houses of Parliament. Through a spokesman on
Sunday Mr Klaus criticised the prime minister, indicating he would not
allow himself to be dragged into what he called a 'pre-election campaign'.
The bill on same-sex partnerships recognises gays and lesbians' right to
inherit from their partner, and also allows access to medical information.
But, the president has suggested the bill is a threat to traditional
institutions - namely traditional marriage. Mr Klaus has until next
Thursday to decide whether to sign the bill, to veto it, or to allow it to
pass into law minus his signature.