Russian legislation, as it is generally known, does not recognize the possibility of creation a family of two men or two women. However, many gays and lesbians create families with those, whom they love. Actually, the Russian law can protect relations, general interests and property of same-sex couples today.

The brochure "Domestic rights for gays and lesbians in Russia" shows ways on how to do it. The creation and publication of the brochure was realized in the joint project of Interregional Public Movement The Russian LGBT Network (http://www.lgbtnet.ru/eng/) and The Social Project LaSky (http://lasky.ru/psi/whatis/) "The Advocation of
interests and mobilization of LGBT-community". The brochure is written by a lawyer, specialized in civil law.

The author makes an attempt to explain how homosexual couples can take advantage of the possibilities that the Russian legislation provides for them. The publication however does by no means claim a special institute of same gender partnerships in the Russian law. Thus, for instance, today couples can themselves solve many issues concerning their life together, e.g. jointly purchased property, financial support for each other and children and so on.

The structure of this booklet is designed as a clear and full description of already mentioned possibilities. It has two chapters: the first chapter deals with the methods of settling property and personal relations; the second chapter touches upon more controversial issues - parenting in same-sex families and ways of its legal confirmation. Besides, each chapter gives answers to relevant frequently asked questions. The Annex presents agreement forms and other documents for regulating the legal issues of same-sex couples.

http://lgbtnet.ru/news/detail.php?ID=4413

http://lgbtnet.ru/publications/lgbtfamily.pdf