CHILE: Tens of thousands of Chileans march for sexual diversity in the capital city of Santiago

Record ID: 335355

  • Title: CHILE: Tens of thousands of Chileans march for sexual diversity in the capital city of Santiago
  • Date: 24th June 2012
  • Summary: SANTIAGO, CHILE (JUNE 23, 2012) (REUTERS) ACTIVISTS MARCHING DOWN STREET PROTESTERS HOLDING SIGNS WOMEN MARCHING
  • Embargoed: 9th July 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Chile
  • Country: Chile
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAELNBDWVNLKDFYJS86ASFA3W4F
  • Story Text: Tens of thousands of Chileans marched for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) rights and sexual diversity on Saturday (June 23).
    The midday march in the capital city of Santiago brought together families, couples and individuals in support of gay rights in the traditional, Catholic country.
    Margarita Parada, who marched with her partner, said same-sex couples deserve the right to marry.
    "We deserve equality just like everyone. We're a couple, just like heterosexuals, who love each other," she said.
    Only one Latin American country, Argentina, grants same-sex couples full marriage rights. Gay marriage is also allowed in Mexico City and the Brazilian state of Alagoas. Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay allow civil unions.
    No law is currently under consideration to allow same-sex unions in Chile, a traditionally conservative country.
    Marcelo Pacheco said it was time for Chile's laws to change to reflect a new society.
    "The world has already changed. We're no longer in ancient times when things were hidden before they were found out. Now, we're more liberal. We have a fair amount of gay life and that's good for us, " he said.
    Not all Chileans agree and protesters organized a counter-demonstration against gay marriage.
    Earlier this year, a national debate arose over homophobia after a 24-year-old gay man was killed in what police suspect was a homophobic attack.
    The murder unleashed calls for the passing of anti-discrimination laws.
    LGBTI
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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