On 5 September 2007, in Munich, the International Commission on Civil Status (CIEC) opens for signature Convention No. 32 on the Recognition of Registered Partnerships — the instrument facilitating mutual recognition of civil partnerships among member states.

The French authentic text was deposited with the Swiss Federal Council. The convention regulates when a partnership registered in one contracting state produces effects in another, without requiring states to introduce the institution in domestic law.

Portugal and Spain signed later; Spain ratified in 2010. Entry into force requires two ratifications — a condition still not fully met in CIEC practice.

The document forms part of European efforts to harmonise civil status and family law.

For the CIEC, 5 September 2007 marks the Munich opening for signature.

The official text is published by the CIEC.

CIEC Convention No. 32 of 5 September 2007 remains the registered-partnership recognition milestone.

Image: Munich; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Convention on the Recognition of Registered Partnerships. Treaty text: CIEC — Convention No. 32 on Registered Partnerships.