Latvia's former foreign minister becomes EU's first openly gay head of state

In Latvia, longest-serving Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics became the first openly gay head of state in the European Union(EU). Rinkevics sworn in as the country's new President who has pledged to fight for inclusion and equality.

The EU has had openly gay heads of governments before, but never a gay head of state. Although generally a ceremonial position, Latvia's president can veto legislation and call referendums.

During his inaugural address to the parliament, which elected him



on 31st  May, he said he would use his limited powers to influence legislation and shape public opinion to make Latvia a more inclusive and egalitarian country.

Rinkevics was foreign minister from 2011 until his official resignation on last Friday and went public with his sexual orientation in November 2014.

Gay marriage is illegal in Latvia, though the country's constitutional court recognised same-sex unions last year.