Pride Month: Czech President Milos Zeman says he'll veto if same sex marriage law is enacted

Czech President Milos Zeman said Tuesday that he is ready to veto if the parliament approved a proposed legislation that would give same-sex couples the right to hold civil weddings.

The bill drafted by lawmakers from across the political spectrum was submitted to the Czech Parliament's lower house Tuesday, but no date has been set for the beginning of its debate.

It is strongly opposed by the Christian Democrats, and by Freedom and Direct Democracy, an anti-migrant and anti-Muslim populist party.

Zeman noted that the Czech state already enables civil unions for same-sex couples, He said: “But a family is a union between a man and a woman.” The Czech president is known for derogatory comments about the LGBTQ community.

Also watch: Celebrating Pride Month: 5 business leaders who promote inclusive growth

A majority of all lawmakers in the lower house can override the presidential veto. The Czech presidency is a largely ceremonial post.