Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador
Civil unions for same-sex couples were legalized by the approval of the 2008 Constitution of Ecuador[1] including all the rights of marriage except for joint adoption. The first civil union was performed in August 2009.[2][3][4][5][6] Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned in Ecuador. Article 67 reads "Marriage is the union between man and woman is based on the free consent of the parties and their equal rights, obligations and legal capacity. "[7]
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[edit] Background
In September 2008, Ecuadorians overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to adopt a new constitution.[8] Article 68 of the approved constitution grants full rights to homosexual civil unions. Since early in the 20th century, heterosexual civil unions (requiring two years of living together) have enjoyed the same rights as civil marriage. In the late 19th century the liberal revolution led by Eloy Alfaro established a clear separation between state and church. Since this separation of state and church was consolidated in the first decades of the 20th century, only civil marriage or unions have been recognized by the state. Under the new constitution the only significant difference between homosexual and hetereosexual unions is that adoptions by same-sex couples are not recognized. Adoption rights are the same for heterosexual civil unions as for civil marriages, but do not extend to same-sex unions.[8] Protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation had already been introduced in the 1998 constitution, Ecuador being among the first three countries in the world to adopt such a constitutional protection.
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Ecuador's new leftist president, Rafael Correa, had openly stated that he wanted the document to allow homosexual unions. "Let's be clear that the profoundly humanistic position of this government is to respect the intrinsic dignity of everyone, of every human being, independently of their creed, race, sexual preference," Correa said. "We will give certain guarantees to stable gay couples but matrimony will continue being reserved for a man, a woman and the family." "Every person has dignity, that's to say, one must respect a person independently of their sexual preference. Be careful not to deny employment to someone because of their sexual preference. That is discrimination, that is unconstitutional."[9][10]
[edit] Referendum and enforcement
The Constitution passed the referendum by 70 % of approval. It is officially recorded as of 21 October 2008.[11]
[edit] Text of article 68 of Ecuador Constitution
In spanish : Art. 68.- "La unión estable y monogámica entre dos personas libres de vínculo matrimonial que formen un hogar de hecho, por el lapso y bajo las condiciones y circunstancias que señale la ley, generará los mismos derechos y obligaciones que tienen las familias constituidas mediante matrimonio. La adopción corresponderá sólo a parejas de distinto sexo."
that is :
"The stable and monogamous union between two persons, free of matrimonial bond, who form a de facto couple, since the time and under the conditions and circumstancies that the law provides, will generate the same rights and obligations that families, build through the marriage, are holding. Adoption will only correspond to couples of different sexes."
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "New Ecuador constitution includes gay rights guarantees". 365gay.com. http://www.365gay.com/news/new-ecuador-constitution-includes-gay-rights-guarantees. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Uniones gays ya son legales". Vistazo.com. http://www.vistazo.com/ea/pais/?eImpresa=1009&id=2781. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ Jorge Alberto Chávez Reyes (20 September 2009). "Se realizó primera unión civil homosexual en Ecuador". Blogdelimagay.blogspot.com. http://blogdelimagay.blogspot.com/2009/10/se-realizo-primeraunion-civil.html. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Legalización de uniones homosexuales en Ecuador". Elsalvador.com. http://www.elsalvador.com/mwedh/nota/nota_opinion.asp?idCat=6342&idArt=4068556. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Doce parejas homosexuales legalizaron su unión de hecho en Ecuador". Sentidog.com. 2 July 2010. http://www.sentidog.com/lat/2010/07/doce-parejas-homosexuales-legalizaron-su-union-de-hecho-en-ecuador/. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ Dos Manzanas (16 September 2009). "Ecuador celebró la primera unión de hecho entre personas del mismo sexo, desatando la indignación de la iglesia católica". Dosmanzanas.com. http://www.dosmanzanas.com/2009/10/ecuador-celebro-la-primera-union-de-hecho-entre-personas-del-mismo-sexo-desatando-la-indignacion-de-la-iglesia-catolica.html. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ "Art. 67 Ecuador Constitution – 2008". Pdba.georgetown.edu. 11 July 2011. http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Ecuador/ecuador08.html. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ a b CONSTITUCIÓN DEL ECUADOR
- ^ Materville Studios – Host of Windy City Times. "Ecuadorean president supports same-sex partnerships". Windycitymediagroup.com. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=18023. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
- ^ Presidente Correa: Ecuador es un Estado laico que debe respetar todas las creencias[dead link]
- ^ "Ecuador's new constitution goes into effect". International Herald Tribune. 29 March 2009. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/20/news/LT-Ecuador-Constitution.php. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
[edit] External links
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