Same-sex union legislation legislation of unregistered cohabitation was introduced in the Netherlands in June 1979. However, the first substantial recognition of same-sex couples didn't occur before the introduction of a new legal form, that of registered partnerships, which was first enacted in Denmark in June 1989. Many countries have followed with similar legislation since then. Legislation of these forms of legal unions still occur with a variety of different names, even after the introduction of same sex marriage, although sometimes they are overwritten by subsequent legislation of same-sex marriage. There are currently seventeen countries that have an alternative form of legal recognition other
Recognition of same-sex unions in Estonia Recognition of same-sex unions in Estonia Estonia has recognised same-sex unions since January 1, 2016 by allowing same-sex couples to sign a cohabitation agreement (), the first ex-Soviet state to do so. In addition, following a December 2016 court ruling, same-sex marriages performed abroad are recognised in Estonia. In November 2017, the Tallinn Circuit Court ruled that this recognition did not necessarily confer residency rights. However, in September 2018, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, another Estonian court ruled that it does. In December 2005, the launch of a new family law bill by the Estonian Ministry