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Croatia holds referendum on same-sex marriage ban Croatians 'back same-sex marriage ban' in referendum
(about 13 hours later)
Polls have opened in Croatia for a controversial referendum on proposals to ban same-sex marriages. Early results from Croatia's referendum on proposals to ban same-sex marriages indicate that two-thirds of voters are in favour of the move.
Voters are deciding whether to approve changes to Croatia's constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Voters were asked whether they approved changes to Croatia's constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
On Saturday hundreds of gay rights supporters marched through the capital, Zagreb, in protest at the vote. A government spokesperson told the BBC that the early results were based on about a quarter of the ballots.
Large urban centres such as Zagreb and Split have not returned results yet.
On Saturday hundreds of gay rights supporters marched through Zagreb, the capital, in protest at the vote.
A petition backing the referendum, drawn up by a Catholic group, received more than 700,000 signatures.A petition backing the referendum, drawn up by a Catholic group, received more than 700,000 signatures.
The referendum will ask the question: "Do you agree that marriage is matrimony between a man and a woman?" The referendum asked the question: "Do you agree that marriage is matrimony between a man and a woman?"
If there is a "yes" vote, Croatia's constitution will be amended to ban gay marriages. Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union in July. If the "Yes" vote is endorsed, Croatia's constitution will be amended to ban gay marriages. Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union in July.
An opinion poll for state broadcaster HRT suggested that 59% of Croatians would vote "yes" in Sunday's vote, with 31% against. An opinion poll for state broadcaster HRT ahead of the poll suggested that 59% of Croatians were in favour of the "Yes" option, with 31% against.
Almost 90% of Croatia's population of 4.4 million are Roman Catholics and the Church has strongly urged a "yes" vote. Almost 90% of Croatia's population of 4.4 million are Roman Catholics and the Church had strongly urged a "Yes" vote.
The vote has also received support from 104 members of Croatia's 151-seat parliament.The vote has also received support from 104 members of Croatia's 151-seat parliament.
The government, human rights groups and prominent public figures have all spoken out against the referendum, urging people to vote no.The government, human rights groups and prominent public figures have all spoken out against the referendum, urging people to vote no.
Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic argued that the referendum threatened people's right to happiness and choice. But leaders of the opposition HDZ party are behind the referendum.Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic argued that the referendum threatened people's right to happiness and choice. But leaders of the opposition HDZ party are behind the referendum.
Attitudes changing
Gay rights protesters, under a heavy police presence, marched for an hour through the city and unfurled a giant rainbow flag outside parliament.Gay rights protesters, under a heavy police presence, marched for an hour through the city and unfurled a giant rainbow flag outside parliament.
"We urge voters... to protect minority rights so that no-one in Croatia becomes a second-class citizen," activist Sanja Juras told a crowd in Zagreb on Saturday."We urge voters... to protect minority rights so that no-one in Croatia becomes a second-class citizen," activist Sanja Juras told a crowd in Zagreb on Saturday.
The plan for a referendum was allowed parliamentary scrutiny after a Catholic group called "In the Name of the Family" gathered enough signatures to pass the required threshold of support.The plan for a referendum was allowed parliamentary scrutiny after a Catholic group called "In the Name of the Family" gathered enough signatures to pass the required threshold of support.
"Marriage is the only union enabling procreation. This is the key difference between a marriage... and other unions," said Croatia's Cardinal Josip Bozanic in a letter read out in churches."Marriage is the only union enabling procreation. This is the key difference between a marriage... and other unions," said Croatia's Cardinal Josip Bozanic in a letter read out in churches.
Correspondents say attitudes towards gay rights in Croatia - which joined the European Union in July - are slowly changing.Correspondents say attitudes towards gay rights in Croatia - which joined the European Union in July - are slowly changing.
In Zagreb's first gay pride parade in 2002, dozens of participants were beaten up by extremists.In Zagreb's first gay pride parade in 2002, dozens of participants were beaten up by extremists.
Parades are now held regularly although under heavy security.Parades are now held regularly although under heavy security.