I am no fan of the nouveau-socialist movements sweeping Latin America (at least in the Hugo Chavez or Evo Morales guise) but if you have to give credit where credit is due, that means Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa gets props for defeating the massive anti-gay evangelical fringe in his efforts to push for a new constitution that recognizes some rights of same-sex couples (among other savory and unsavory things).From the Associated Press (via Gay365.com):
The new constitution guarantees civil rights for gays and lesbians, including civil unions affording all the rights of marriage... Preliminary results showed 65 percent support with 5 percent of the vote counted, mirroring earlier exit polls and quick counts that indicated overwhelming voter approval...This despite virulently homophobic political opposition as we have reported in the past (see below). But, as someone comments on the Gay365.com board:
Hate to rain on the 'We love Ecuador' parade, but Spanish readers will note that next to the clause on civil unions is a line affirming that marriage is only between a man and a woman, as well as a ban on gay adoption (Article 67 and 68). So, it is more of a “one-step forward, two-steps backwards” sort of constitution. English language gay media tends to over-exaggerate the progress in other countries (while undermining the substantive gains that have achieved in the Anglophone world itself).
He is partly right! Correa says that the new Ecuadorean constitution would afford "all the rights of marriage" but, of course, the fact that it would bar adoption rights for same-sex couples means it does not.
It is still way more than the United States government has ever done. And, considering the concerted efforts by the religious right in Ecuador to sink any recognition of same-sex rights it is a tremendous victory. Let's wait and see how the mandate is implemented.
Previously:
- President Correa falls into political trap, accedes to right wing demands, says gay couples deserve some rights (April 7, 2008)
- President Correa on same-sex marriage, abortion and including 'God' in the constitution (March 31, 2008)
- A push to eliminate constitutional protections for gays and lesbians (March 26, 2008)
- Defense Minister resigns in midst of a 'gays in the military' controversy (September 6, 2007)
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1 comment:
That's pretty good going for South America. Well done that chap.
There is also a possible loophole for abortion in there, which makes the success even more welcome in my view.
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