On 1 December 2013, Croatian citizens will take part in a referendum asking if marriage should be defined in the Constitution as a union between a man and woman. The campaign to define marriage as union of a man and a woman was initiated and promoted by an initiative "In the Name of the Family" which opposes any advance towards recognition of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people. The group gathered the number of signatures required by the law to initiate such referendum. ILGA-Europe regrets that the Croatian authorities agreed that an issue of human rights affecting a minority group should be decided by a popular majority vote. ILGA-Europe is disappointed that Croatia, a new member of the European Union marks its entry into a Union based on the principles of equality, dignity and respect for human rights for all with a referendum which has no other aim but to restrict the rights of some citizens of Croatia. ILGA-Europe calls on all citizens of Croatia who value freedom, respect and human rights to vote no at this referendum. We appeal to political leaders, opinion makers and prominent personalities in Croatia to publicly voice their opposition to this restrictive and discriminatory constitutional amendment. Marriage equality and recognition of same-sex unions is not a threat or danger to anyone. It is simply another step towards the elimination of oppression and discrimination. Research from countries where same-sex unions are legally recognised and protection from discrimination exist, show a much higher level of happiness and content compared to those countries where inequality and discrimination still exist. The number of countries that legally recognise same-sex unions is growing: 21 out of 49 European countries now do so. It is time for Croatia to decide if it wants to build a democratic country where every person is respected and a society where happiness of all people matters, or a country which wants to anchor discrimination in its main law. Vote for human rights, respect and happiness for all. Say no to discriminatory constitutional amendment. Brussels 28 November 2013 Source