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“A historic milestone for the whole Chilean society” Brus Leguás Contreras, president of Affirmation Chile, was one of the GLBT leaders who helped introduce a bill for marriage equality in Chile’s National Congress. Sponsored by seven national deputies, the bill was delivered to the offices of the Chamber of Deputies on March 19. “This is a historic milestone of great importance for the whole Chilean society,” said Leandro Valdés, president of Affirmation Gran Valparaíso. “It opens up the discussion of an issue that can no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet.” According to Leandro, marriage equality is not an attack on traditional marriage, but rather a question of acknowledging an unalienable right. “There was a time when we were told that if divorce was legalized, traditional marriage would disappear—yet people continued to marry,” Leandro added. “Something similar is happening now with discussion around the freedom to marry. Marriage equality would allow same sex couples to formalize their partnerships with the state’s approval. It is a civil matter. It doesn’t force anyone to enter into such a partnership nor does it force any church to perform blessings.” A separate bill, the Civil Unions Bill, would grant unmarried couples, both gay and straight, rights to insurance, inheritance, and shared assets. |
www.affirmation.org