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==History==
⚫
== Future legislation ==
===Brazil===
{{main|Same-sex marriage in Brazil}}
In 2004, the first case of recognition of same-sex unions in Brazil occurred when a binational [[English people|Englishman]] and a [[Brazilian people|Brazilian]] registered their ''de facto'' union. This [[legal precedent]] encouraged other couples in the country to do the same.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jornalcomunicacao.ufpr.br/node/7987|work=Journal Comunicacao|title=Primeiro casal gay a registrar união no país completa 20 anos|date=18 April 2010|accessdate=16 January 2013|language=Portuguese}}</ref>


On 5 May 2011, Brazil's [[Supreme Federal Court]] ruled that [[civil union]]s for same-sex couples had to be allowed throughout the country. The ruling resulted in stable partnerships for LGBT having the same financial and social rights enjoyed by those in heterosexual relationships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.r7.com/brasil/noticias/supremo-tribunal-federal-reconhece-uniao-estavel-gay-20110506.html|title=Casais gays conquistam 112 direitos com decisão do STF|date=6 May 2011|accessdate=16 January 2013|language=Portuguese}}</ref> It also created a legal foundation for same-sex matrimonial rights, as opposite-sex civil unions could be converted into full marriages. In the following two years, the jurisdictions of [[Alagoas]],<ref name="WA">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/12/21/brazils-most-populous-state-to-allow-same-sex-marriage/|title=Brazil’s most populous state to allow same-sex marriage|work=Washington Blade|date=21 December 2012}}</ref> [[Bahia]],<ref name="WA"/><ref name=Atarde>{{cite news|language=Portuguese|url=http://atarde.uol.com.br/materias/1459659|title=Bahia legaliza casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo (Bahia legalizes marriage between persons of the same sex|accessdate=20 January 2013|date=10 October 2012|work=A Tarde}}</ref> [[Ceará]], [[Espírito Santo]], [[Federal District (Brazil)|Federal District]], [[Mato Grosso do Sul]], [[Paraíba]], [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]],<ref name=Paranalocal/><ref name=athosgls/> [[Piauí]], [[Rondônia]], [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]], [[Santa Rita do Sapucaí]] (MG), [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/21/brazil-court-ruling-means-all-gay-couples-can-legally-marry-in-the-state-of-sao-paulo/|title=Brazil: Court ruling means all gay couples can legally marry in the state of São Paulo|work=Pink News|accessdate=20 January 2013|date=21 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/s%C3%A3o-paulo-court-guarantees-same-sex-marriages211212|title=São Paulo court guarantees same-sex marriages|work=Gay Star News|accessdate=20 January 2012|date=21 December 2012}}</ref> and [[Sergipe]] legalized same-sex marriage, while [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]] allowed local judges to perform same-sex marriages if they agreed to do so.<ref name="Rio">{{cite web|url=http://virgula.uol.com.br/ver/noticia/lifestyle/2013/04/20/324152-rio-de-janeiro-retira-impedimentos-a-casamento-entre-gays|title=Rio de Janeiro state legalizes gay marriage|date=17 April 2013|accessdate= 22 April 2013}} According to the ruling (25/2013), a couples' request should be registered by civil registry officers, who have to give 15 days for the district to decide if they agree. If they do not agree, the marriage could not proceed.</ref> Other states all recognized the marriages, and had registered marriages on a case-by-case basis.

Nevertheless on May 14, 2013, The Justice's [[National Justice Council|National Council of Brazil]] legalized same-sex marriage in the entire country in a 14-1 vote by issuing a ruling that ordered all civil registers of the country to perform same-sex marriages and convert any existing civil unions into marriages if such a couple desires.<ref>[http://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2013/05/apos-uniao-estavel-gay-podera-casar-em-cartorio-decide-cnj.html Decisão do CNJ obriga cartórios a fazer casamento homossexual]</ref><ref name="Times Removes">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/world/americas/brazilian-court-council-removes-a-barrier-to-same-sex-marriage.html?_r=0|title= Brazilian Court Council Removes a Barrier to Same-Sex Marriage|work=''[[New York Times]]|last=Romero|first=Simon|date=May 14, 2013|accessdate=May 15, 2013}}</ref>.

===Colombia===
{{main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Colombia}}
On 7 February 2007, the [[Constitutional Court of Colombia]] extended several [[common-law marriage]] property and pension rights to same-sex couples, the first rights and recognition that same-sex unions received in the country.<ref>{{es icon}} [http://www.eltiempo.com/tiempoimpreso/edicionimpresa/justicia/2007-02-08/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-3430767.html EL TIEMPO - Corte da primer derecho a parejas gays]</ref><ref name='bbc020807'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Rights for Colombia gay couples | date=2007-02-08 | publisher= | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6341593.stm | work =BBC News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-30 | language = }}</ref> Subsequent rulings by the Constitutional Court expanded the rights to which same-sex couples could apply. In October 2007 it extended social security and health insurance rights to them.<ref>[http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5666.html Colombian court rules in favour of equal rights for gay couples], Pink News, 6 October 2007</ref> On 28 January 2009, it modified 20 laws to give them 42 more rights (including nationality, residence permits, testimony when in jury, family-properties laws, etc.).<ref name="2009 ruling"/><ref>{{es}} [http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/justicia/42-disposiciones-modifico-la-corte-constitucional-para-amparar-derechos-de-las-parejas-gay_4780782-1 42 disposiciones modificó la Corte Constitucional para amparar derechos de las parejas gay],''El Tiempo'', 2009-01-29. Retrieved on July 02, 2009</ref> A final ruling, on 13 April 2011, granted them inheritance rights.<ref name=eltiempo />

On 26 July 2011, the Constitutional Court ruled that it couldn't change the current definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman, but also that same-sex couples have the right to form a family and ordered the Colombian Congress to pass legislation addressing this issue within a two years deadline (by June 20, 2013). If such a law is not passed until then, same-sex couples will be automatically able to register their relationship with the same solemnity as heterosexual couples do through marriage.<ref>[http://english.corteconstitucional.gov.co/sentences/C-577-2011.pdf DECISION C-577/11 The homosexuals have the right to form a family]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/07/27/colombia.gay.marriage/|work=CNN| title=Colombian court says Congress must decide on gay marriage|date=2011-07-27}}</ref> Prior to the Court decision, legislation intending to regulate same-sex relationships had failed six times in Congress.<ref name=eltiempo>{{es}}[[El Tiempo (Colombia)|El Tiempo]]. ''[http://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-10013464.html Corte explica por qué matrimonio homosexual es decisión del Congreso]''. Retrieved 15 May 2013.</ref>

===Ecuador===
{{main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador}}
During the debate over the [[2008 Constitution of Ecuador|2008 Ecuadorian new constitution]], LGBT organizations campaigned for the inclusion of same-sex unions in it.<ref>{{es}} [[El Universo]]. ''[http://www.eluniverso.com/2008/05/04/0001/8/D2736C2C7AE240B6A709FF9518078307.html “Los gays nos manejamos como familia”]''. Retrieved 15 May 2013.</ref><ref>{{es}} [[El Universo]]. ''[http://www.eluniverso.com/2008/05/04/0001/8/E80C7C9E86154C6BA45C70B078B4FE00.html Uniones homosexuales en el país son un hecho aun sin ley]''. Retrieved 15 May 2013.</ref> Civil unions for same-sex couples were included in Article 68 of the final draft of the constitution.<ref>{{es}} [http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/750450/-1/Nueva_Constituci%C3%B3n_reconoce_uni%C3%B3n_gay_y_l%C3%A9sbica_.html Nueva Constitución reconoce unión gay y lésbica] Retrieved 15 May 2013.</ref> Under the text of the new constitution the only significant difference between same-sex and opposite-sex unions was that adoption by same-sex couples was not allowed.<ref name=const>[http://asambleaconstituyente.gov.ec/documentos/Nueva_Constitucion_del_Ecuador.pdf CONSTITUCIÓN DEL ECUADOR]</ref> President [[Rafael Correa]] openly stated his support for the inclusion of same-sex unions in the text."<ref>{{cite web|author=Materville Studios – Host of Windy City Times |url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=18023 |title=Ecuadorean president supports same-sex partnerships |publisher=Windycitymediagroup.com |accessdate=18 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{es}} [http://www.ecuadorinmediato.com/index.php?module=Noticias&func=news_user_view&id=74715&umt=presidente_correa_ecuador_es_un_estado_laico_que_debe_respetar_todas_creencias Presidente Correa: Ecuador es un estado laico que debe respetar todas las creencias]. Retrieved 15 May 2013.</ref> On 28 September 2008, the constitution was passed in [[Ecuadorian constitutional referendum, 2008|referendum]] by 69.46% of approval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/20/news/LT-Ecuador-Constitution.php |title=Ecuador's new constitution goes into effect |work=International Herald Tribune |date=29 March 2009 |accessdate=18 December 2011}}</ref> Article 68 of the constitution reads: "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 marriage, are holding. Adoption will only correspond to couples of different sexes."<ref name=const />

===Uruguay===
{{main|Same-sex marriage in Uruguay}}
On 1 January 1, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to have a national civil unions law.<ref>{{es}} [http://www0.parlamento.gub.uy/leyes/AccesoTextoLey.asp?Ley=18246 Ley Nş 18.246 UNIÓN CONCUBINARIA]</ref> The bill was passed by both chambers of Congress on December 19 2007<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7151669.stm Uruguay approves gay civil unions]. BBC News (December 19, 2007). Retrieved on December 4, 2011.</ref> and signed into law by president [[Tabaré Vázquez]] on December 27.<ref>Writer, Staff. (December 28, 2007) [http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-6419.html Uruguay's President grants legal rights for gay couples]. Pinknews.co.uk. Retrieved on December 4, 2011.</ref> The bill granted most of the benefits that married couples were afforded, including social security entitlements, inheritance rights and joint ownership of goods and property.<ref>{{es}} [http://web.archive.org/web/20080717001310/http://www.ovejasnegras.org/preguntasfrecuentes_union.htm Preguntas frecuentes sobre Unión Concubinaria]</ref> On September 2009 a bill which sought to extend adoption rights for same-sex couples was given final approval in Congress. Thus, Uruguay became the first country in South America where same-sex couples could jointly adopt.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8247540.stm Uruguay allows same-sex adoption]. BBC News (September 9, 2009). Retrieved on December 4, 2011.</ref>

In April 2011, Sebastián Sabini, a legislator from one of the parties of the ruling Broad Front, presented a bill to legalize same-sex marriage,<ref>{{es}} [http://www.infobae.com/notas/573055-Uruguay-el-Frente-Amplio-impulsa-el-matrimonio-igualitario.html Uruguay: el Frente Amplio impulsa el matrimonio igualitario]</ref> which was one of the Broad Front's [[Uruguayan general election, 2009|2009 election]] promises.<ref>{{es}}[http://www.agmagazine.info/2009/05/26/ahora-uruguay-va-por-el-matrimonio-gay/ Ahora Uruguay va por el matrimonio gay]</ref> On December 12, the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill by 81 out of the 87 MPs present and sent it to the Senate.<ref>{{es}} [http://sociedad.elpais.com/sociedad/2012/12/12/actualidad/1355283502_702827.html Uruguay aprueba el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo]</ref> The Senate approved the bill with some minor amendments on 2 April 2013, in a 23-8 vote.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/02/world/americas/uruguay-same-sex-marriage/ Uruguay's senate approves same-sex marriage bill]</ref><ref>{{es}} [http://www.elpais.com.uy/130402/ultmo-706596/ultimomomento/senado-aprobo-ley-de-matrimonio-igualitario-23-a-favor-8-en-contra/ Senado aprobó ley de matrimonio igualitario: 23 a favor, 8 en contra]</ref> On 10 April 2013, the Chamber of Deputies gave final approval to the amended version of the bill in a 71-21 vote. On May 3, it was signed by President [[José Mujica]]. It will take effect on August 1, 2013.<ref name="LEY Nº 19.075"/><ref>{{es}} [http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/desde-el-22-de-julio-se-podran-celebrar-matrimonios-gay.html Desde el 1° de agosto se podrán celebrar matrimonios gay]. Retrieved 6 May 2013.</ref>

⚫
== Future legislation ==
===Chile===
===Chile===
In May 2011, president Piñera stated that he was in favor of an upcoming bill which would legalize a form of civil union; his stated intent was to “protect and safeguard [...] the dignity of those couples, whether of the opposite or even the same sex”.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/5427/29/05/2011/chile-set-to-allow-gay-civil-unions-.aspx|title = Chile set to allow gay civil unions|author = Johnny Payne|publisher = PinkPaper.com|date = 29 May 2011|archiveurl=http://archive.is/g1Lt|archivedate=11 July 2012}}</ref> Piñera introduced the bill to Congress in August 2011 allowing registered [[cohabitation]]. This would give unmarried partners many of the rights now enjoyed only by married couples, such as inheritance and certain social welfare and health care benefits.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ife50jakc8XELqiygvNxGXcPff-A?docId=9f96a07cb3924ca8bb317cbff76694e9 Chile leader proposed civil unions, including gays]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14469625 |title=Chile President Sebastian Pinera proposed civil unions |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=2011-08-10 |accessdate=2011-10-03}}</ref>
In May 2011, president Piñera stated that he was in favor of an upcoming bill which would legalize a form of civil union; his stated intent was to “protect and safeguard [...] the dignity of those couples, whether of the opposite or even the same sex”.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/5427/29/05/2011/chile-set-to-allow-gay-civil-unions-.aspx|title = Chile set to allow gay civil unions|author = Johnny Payne|publisher = PinkPaper.com|date = 29 May 2011|archiveurl=http://archive.is/g1Lt|archivedate=11 July 2012}}</ref> Piñera introduced the bill to Congress in August 2011 allowing registered [[cohabitation]]. This would give unmarried partners many of the rights now enjoyed only by married couples, such as inheritance and certain social welfare and health care benefits.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ife50jakc8XELqiygvNxGXcPff-A?docId=9f96a07cb3924ca8bb317cbff76694e9 Chile leader proposed civil unions, including gays]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14469625 |title=Chile President Sebastian Pinera proposed civil unions |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=2011-08-10 |accessdate=2011-10-03}}</ref>
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===Colombia===
===Colombia===
The [[Constitutional Court of Colombia]] ruled on Tuesday July 26, 2011 to order the Colombian Congress to legislate on the matter of [[same-sex marriage]] and that if they fail to, same-sex couples will be granted all marriage rights in two years (on June 20, 2013) automatically.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/07/27/colombia.gay.marriage/ | work=CNN | title=Colombian court says Congress must decide on gay marriage | date=2011-07-27}}</ref> Following the ruling, Senator [[Armando Benedetti]] introduced a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. However, the two biggest parties made a commitment to kill the bill. It was rejected in a 17-51 vote on 24 April 2013.<ref name="failed">[http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/24/us-colombia-gaymarriage-idUSBRE93N1DT20130424 Colombia lawmakers reject controversial gay marriage bill]</ref> As the bill's rejection was seen as imminent even before the vote, the country's Notaries Association presented guidelines for notaries and judges to fulfill the Constitutional Court's ruling. The proposal calls the unions of same-sex couples "marital unions",<ref>{{es}} [http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-12759067.html Plantean llamar 'vínculo marital' a la unión de parejas homosexuales]. Retrieved 24 April 2013.</ref> another proposal, presented by Superintendent Jorge Enrique Vélez, calls them "solemn contracts".<ref>{{es}} [[El Espectador]]. ''[http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/politica/articulo-418032-notarios-no-podran-argumentar-objecion-de-conciencia-uniones-hom Notarios no podrán argumentar objeción de conciencia en uniones homosexuales].'' Retrieved 24 April 2013.</ref>
Following the 26 July 2011 ruling by the Constitutional Court, Senator [[Armando Benedetti]] introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. However, the two biggest parties made a commitment to kill the bill. It was rejected in a 17-51 vote on 24 April 2013.<ref name="failed">[http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/24/us-colombia-gaymarriage-idUSBRE93N1DT20130424 Colombia lawmakers reject controversial gay marriage bill]</ref> As the bill's rejection was seen as imminent even before the vote, the country's Notaries Association presented guidelines for notaries and judges to fulfill the Constitutional Court's ruling. The proposal calls the unions of same-sex couples "marital unions",<ref>{{es}} [http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-12759067.html Plantean llamar 'vínculo marital' a la unión de parejas homosexuales]. Retrieved 24 April 2013.</ref> another proposal, presented by Superintendent Jorge Enrique Vélez, calls them "solemn contracts".<ref>{{es}} [[El Espectador]]. ''[http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/politica/articulo-418032-notarios-no-podran-argumentar-objecion-de-conciencia-uniones-hom Notarios no podrán argumentar objeción de conciencia en uniones homosexuales].'' Retrieved 24 April 2013.</ref>


== Public opinion ==
== Public opinion ==

Revision as of 20:23, 15 May 2013

Recognition of same-sex unions in South America
  Marriage
  Other type of partnership
  Country subject to IACHR advisory opinion
  Unrecognized
  Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples
  Same-sex sexual activity illegal, though penalties not enforced
Part of the LGBT rights series
Marriage

Recognized

Civil unions or registered partnerships but not marriage
Minimal recognition
See also
Notes
  1. ^ a b Performed in the Netherlands proper (including the Caribbean Netherlands), as well as in Aruba and Curaçao. May be registered in Sint Maarten in such cases, but the rights of marriage are not guaranteed.
  2. ^ Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands.
  3. ^ Neither performed nor recognized in six British Overseas Territories.
  4. ^ a b Neither performed nor recognized in some tribal nations. Recognized but not performed in several other tribal nations and American Samoa.
  5. ^ Registered foreign marriages confer all marriage rights. Domestic common-law marriages confer most rights of marriage. Domestic civil marriage recognized by some cities.
  6. ^ a b c d e The Coman v. Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens. Some member states, including Romania, do not follow the ruling.
  7. ^ A "declaration of family relationship" is available in several of Cambodia's communes which may be useful in matters such as housing, but is not legally binding.
  8. ^ Guardianship agreements, conferring some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care.
  9. ^ Inheritance, guardianship rights, and residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents.
  10. ^ Courts have recognised guru–shishya, nata pratha or maitri karar–type contractual relationships, but they are not legally binding.
  11. ^ Some cities and prefectures issue partnership certificates, but they are not legally binding.
  12. ^ Marriages conducted abroad between a Namibian national and a foreign spouse recognized for residency rights.
  13. ^ Hospital visitation rights through a "legal representative" status.
  1. ^ a b Not yet in effect.
LGBTQ portal

Debate has occurred throughout South America over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions.

Currently 5 of the 12 sovereign countries in South America recognize some type of same-sex unions. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. An additional two countries have a form of civil union or registered partnership, namely Colombia and Ecuador.

Sex between women is legal in the entire region, while sex between men is illegal only in Guyana,[1] not to be confused with French Guiana.

Current situation

National level

Status Country Legal since
Marriage
(3 countries) 		Argentina Argentina 2010
Brazil Brazil 2013
Uruguay Uruguay 2013*
Other type of partnership
(2 countries) 		Colombia Colombia 2007
Ecuador Ecuador 2009
No recognition
(7 countries) 		Bolivia Bolivia —
Chile Chile —
Guyana Guyana —
Paraguay Paraguay —
Peru Peru —
Suriname Suriname —
Venezuela Venezuela —

* Not yet in effect

Sub-national level

Status State/Territory Country Legal since
Other type of partnership
(1 jurisdiction) 		Mérida Venezuela Venezuela —
No recognition
(2 jurisdictions) 		Falkland Islands Falkland Islands United Kingdom British overseas territory —
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Georgia and the
South Sandwich Islands 		United Kingdom British overseas territory —

History

Brazil

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Brazil

In 2004, the first case of recognition of same-sex unions in Brazil occurred when a binational Englishman and a Brazilian registered their de facto union. This legal precedent encouraged other couples in the country to do the same.[2]

On 5 May 2011, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ruled that civil unions for same-sex couples had to be allowed throughout the country. The ruling resulted in stable partnerships for LGBT having the same financial and social rights enjoyed by those in heterosexual relationships.[3] It also created a legal foundation for same-sex matrimonial rights, as opposite-sex civil unions could be converted into full marriages. In the following two years, the jurisdictions of Alagoas,[4] Bahia,[4][5] Ceará, Espírito Santo, Federal District, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Paraná,[6][7] Piauí, Rondônia, Santa Catarina, Santa Rita do Sapucaí (MG), São Paulo,[8][9] and Sergipe legalized same-sex marriage, while Rio de Janeiro allowed local judges to perform same-sex marriages if they agreed to do so.[10] Other states all recognized the marriages, and had registered marriages on a case-by-case basis.

Nevertheless on May 14, 2013, The Justice's National Council of Brazil legalized same-sex marriage in the entire country in a 14-1 vote by issuing a ruling that ordered all civil registers of the country to perform same-sex marriages and convert any existing civil unions into marriages if such a couple desires.[11][12].

Colombia

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Colombia

On 7 February 2007, the Constitutional Court of Colombia extended several common-law marriage property and pension rights to same-sex couples, the first rights and recognition that same-sex unions received in the country.[13][14] Subsequent rulings by the Constitutional Court expanded the rights to which same-sex couples could apply. In October 2007 it extended social security and health insurance rights to them.[15] On 28 January 2009, it modified 20 laws to give them 42 more rights (including nationality, residence permits, testimony when in jury, family-properties laws, etc.).[16][17] A final ruling, on 13 April 2011, granted them inheritance rights.[18]

On 26 July 2011, the Constitutional Court ruled that it couldn't change the current definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman, but also that same-sex couples have the right to form a family and ordered the Colombian Congress to pass legislation addressing this issue within a two years deadline (by June 20, 2013). If such a law is not passed until then, same-sex couples will be automatically able to register their relationship with the same solemnity as heterosexual couples do through marriage.[19][20] Prior to the Court decision, legislation intending to regulate same-sex relationships had failed six times in Congress.[18]

Ecuador

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador

During the debate over the 2008 Ecuadorian new constitution, LGBT organizations campaigned for the inclusion of same-sex unions in it.[21][22] Civil unions for same-sex couples were included in Article 68 of the final draft of the constitution.[23] Under the text of the new constitution the only significant difference between same-sex and opposite-sex unions was that adoption by same-sex couples was not allowed.[24] President Rafael Correa openly stated his support for the inclusion of same-sex unions in the text."[25][26] On 28 September 2008, the constitution was passed in referendum by 69.46% of approval.[27] Article 68 of the constitution reads: "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 marriage, are holding. Adoption will only correspond to couples of different sexes."[24]

Uruguay

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Uruguay

On 1 January 1, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to have a national civil unions law.[28] The bill was passed by both chambers of Congress on December 19 2007[29] and signed into law by president Tabaré Vázquez on December 27.[30] The bill granted most of the benefits that married couples were afforded, including social security entitlements, inheritance rights and joint ownership of goods and property.[31] On September 2009 a bill which sought to extend adoption rights for same-sex couples was given final approval in Congress. Thus, Uruguay became the first country in South America where same-sex couples could jointly adopt.[32]

In April 2011, Sebastián Sabini, a legislator from one of the parties of the ruling Broad Front, presented a bill to legalize same-sex marriage,[33] which was one of the Broad Front's 2009 election promises.[34] On December 12, the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill by 81 out of the 87 MPs present and sent it to the Senate.[35] The Senate approved the bill with some minor amendments on 2 April 2013, in a 23-8 vote.[36][37] On 10 April 2013, the Chamber of Deputies gave final approval to the amended version of the bill in a 71-21 vote. On May 3, it was signed by President José Mujica. It will take effect on August 1, 2013.[38][39]

Future legislation

Chile

In May 2011, president Piñera stated that he was in favor of an upcoming bill which would legalize a form of civil union; his stated intent was to “protect and safeguard [...] the dignity of those couples, whether of the opposite or even the same sex”.[40] Piñera introduced the bill to Congress in August 2011 allowing registered cohabitation. This would give unmarried partners many of the rights now enjoyed only by married couples, such as inheritance and certain social welfare and health care benefits.[41][42]

In April 2013, Chilean presidential candidate Michelle Bachelet promised to legalize same-sex marriage if elected President.[43][44]

Colombia

Following the 26 July 2011 ruling by the Constitutional Court, Senator Armando Benedetti introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. However, the two biggest parties made a commitment to kill the bill. It was rejected in a 17-51 vote on 24 April 2013.[45] As the bill's rejection was seen as imminent even before the vote, the country's Notaries Association presented guidelines for notaries and judges to fulfill the Constitutional Court's ruling. The proposal calls the unions of same-sex couples "marital unions",[46] another proposal, presented by Superintendent Jorge Enrique Vélez, calls them "solemn contracts".[47]

Public opinion

Public support for same-sex marriage varies from country to country. Polls have found support to be higher between younger people, women, city inhabitants and people with a higher education level.[48] A series of polls conducted in 2012 by Vanderbilt University throughout Latin America found the following levels of support for same-sex marriage:[49]

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Column templates
Type Family
Handles wiki
table code?†
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"columns-start" Yes Yes {{columns-start}} {{column}} {{columns-end}}
Columns "div col" Yes Yes {{div col}} – {{div col end}}
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† Can template handle the basic wiki markup {| | || |- |} used to create tables? If not, special templates that produce these elements (such as {{(!}}, {{!}}, {{!!}}, {{!-}}, {{!)}})—or HTML tags (<table>...</table>, <tr>...</tr>, etc.)—need to be used instead.

Other polls

  • Argentina: A November 2009 poll conducted in the six biggest cities of Argentina found support for same-sex marriage at 63.3%, opposition was at 23.1%[50]
  • Brazil: A July 2012 nation-wide poll revealed that 50% of Brazilians were in favor of the Supreme Court decision that expanded civil unions to same-sex couples. Women, younger people and Catholics were more in favor of gay marriage then the rest of the country.[51] Another poll released in March 2013 showed that 47% of the population was in favor of same-sex marriage, while 57% of Brazilians were in favor of same-sex couples adopting children.[52]
  • Chile: A July 2011 nation-wide poll found that 52% of Chileans were in favor of granting legal rights to same-sex unions: 18% supported granting civil marriage to gay couples, while 34% preferred giving same-sex couples a "legal union".[53]
  • Colombia: A poll conducted between December 2009 and January 2010 in Colombia's capital, Bogota, showed that 63% of the city's population was in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage while 36% was against it.[54]
  • Paraguay: A poll conducted by a Christian Newspaper after the approval of same-sex marriage legislation in Argentina showed support for same-marriage at 10% and opposition at 76%.[55]
  • Peru: In August 2010, a poll revealed 21.3% of Peruvians approved same-sex marriage, 71.5% were against it. Support in younger people was higher at 31.9%[56]
  • Uruguay: A nation-wide poll conducted in November 2011 found support for same-sex marriage at 52%, while only 32% of the population was against it.[57]

See also

References

  1. ^ Ottosson, Daniel (May 2012). "State-sponsored Homophobia: A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults" (PDF). International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). Retrieved 2013-05-7. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ "Primeiro casal gay a registrar união no país completa 20 anos". Journal Comunicacao (in Portuguese). 18 April 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  3. ^ "Casais gays conquistam 112 direitos com decisão do STF" (in Portuguese). 6 May 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Brazil's most populous state to allow same-sex marriage". Washington Blade. 21 December 2012.
  5. ^ "Bahia legaliza casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo (Bahia legalizes marriage between persons of the same sex". A Tarde (in Portuguese). 10 October 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Paranalocal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference athosgls was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Brazil: Court ruling means all gay couples can legally marry in the state of São Paulo". Pink News. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  9. ^ "São Paulo court guarantees same-sex marriages". Gay Star News. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  10. ^ "Rio de Janeiro state legalizes gay marriage". 17 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013. According to the ruling (25/2013), a couples' request should be registered by civil registry officers, who have to give 15 days for the district to decide if they agree. If they do not agree, the marriage could not proceed.
  11. ^ Decisão do CNJ obriga cartórios a fazer casamento homossexual
  12. ^ Romero, Simon (May 14, 2013). "Brazilian Court Council Removes a Barrier to Same-Sex Marriage". New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  13. ^ Template:Es icon EL TIEMPO - Corte da primer derecho a parejas gays
  14. ^ "Rights for Colombia gay couples". BBC News. 2007-02-08. Retrieved 2007-07-30. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Colombian court rules in favour of equal rights for gay couples, Pink News, 6 October 2007
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference 2009 ruling was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Template:Es 42 disposiciones modificó la Corte Constitucional para amparar derechos de las parejas gay,El Tiempo, 2009-01-29. Retrieved on July 02, 2009
  18. ^ a b Template:EsEl Tiempo. Corte explica por qué matrimonio homosexual es decisión del Congreso. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  19. ^ DECISION C-577/11 The homosexuals have the right to form a family
  20. ^ "Colombian court says Congress must decide on gay marriage". CNN. 2011-07-27.
  21. ^ Template:Es El Universo. “Los gays nos manejamos como familia”. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  22. ^ Template:Es El Universo. Uniones homosexuales en el país son un hecho aun sin ley. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  23. ^ Template:Es Nueva Constitución reconoce unión gay y lésbica Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  24. ^ a b CONSTITUCIÓN DEL ECUADOR
  25. ^ Materville Studios – Host of Windy City Times. "Ecuadorean president supports same-sex partnerships". Windycitymediagroup.com. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  26. ^ Template:Es Presidente Correa: Ecuador es un estado laico que debe respetar todas las creencias. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  27. ^ "Ecuador's new constitution goes into effect". International Herald Tribune. 29 March 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  28. ^ Template:Es Ley Nş 18.246 UNIÓN CONCUBINARIA
  29. ^ Uruguay approves gay civil unions. BBC News (December 19, 2007). Retrieved on December 4, 2011.
  30. ^ Writer, Staff. (December 28, 2007) Uruguay's President grants legal rights for gay couples. Pinknews.co.uk. Retrieved on December 4, 2011.
  31. ^ Template:Es Preguntas frecuentes sobre Unión Concubinaria
  32. ^ Uruguay allows same-sex adoption. BBC News (September 9, 2009). Retrieved on December 4, 2011.
  33. ^ Template:Es Uruguay: el Frente Amplio impulsa el matrimonio igualitario
  34. ^ Template:EsAhora Uruguay va por el matrimonio gay
  35. ^ Template:Es Uruguay aprueba el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo
  36. ^ Uruguay's senate approves same-sex marriage bill
  37. ^ Template:Es Senado aprobó ley de matrimonio igualitario: 23 a favor, 8 en contra
  38. ^ Cite error: The named reference LEY Nº 19.075 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  39. ^ Template:Es Desde el 1° de agosto se podrán celebrar matrimonios gay. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  40. ^ Johnny Payne (29 May 2011). "Chile set to allow gay civil unions". PinkPaper.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012.
  41. ^ Chile leader proposed civil unions, including gays[dead link]
  42. ^ "Chile President Sebastian Pinera proposed civil unions". Bbc.co.uk. 2011-08-10. Retrieved 2011-10-03.
  43. ^ Michelle Bachelet, Candidate For Chilean President, Backs Gay Marriage
  44. ^ Bachelet speaks out, calls for new Chilean constitution
  45. ^ Colombia lawmakers reject controversial gay marriage bill
  46. ^ Template:Es Plantean llamar 'vínculo marital' a la unión de parejas homosexuales. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  47. ^ Template:Es El Espectador. Notarios no podrán argumentar objeción de conciencia en uniones homosexuales. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  48. ^ Vanderbildt University. Support for Same‐Sex Marriage in Latin America. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  49. ^ Data can be obtained in this link.
  50. ^ Most Argentineans Support Same-Sex Marriage
  51. ^ Template:Pt Evolução: 50% da população brasileira aprova o casamento gay, diz pesquisa
  52. ^ Quase 60% dos brasileiros são a favor de adoção de crianças por gays
  53. ^ "Estudio Nacional de Opinión Pública, Junio-Julio 2011. Tema especial: Educación". Cepchile.cl. Retrieved 2011-10-03.
  54. ^ Template:Es Los habitantes de Bogotá aprueban el matrimonio homosexual, según encuesta
  55. ^ Paraguay: Encuesta revela que solo el 10% de la población está a favor del matrimonio homosexual
  56. ^ Template:Es ESTUDIO DE OPINIÓN PÚBLICA A NIVEL PERÚ URBANO - Informe de resultados - (5 al 9 de agosto de 2010)
  57. ^ Más de la mitad de los uruguayos está a favor de la autorización del matrimonio homosexual
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