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Chile civil union law comes into force | Chile civil union law comes into force |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Dozens of same-sex couples in Chile have been celebrating as a new law recognising their unions came into effect. | |
The law makes it easier for unmarried co-habiting couples to co-own property and make medical decisions. | |
It applies to both heterosexual and same-sex couples. | |
"From today, Chile is different. Chile is for everyone," Roxana Ortiz said after formalising her relationship with Virginia Gomez in front of a judge. | |
"It was all very emotional. Our families were here, everyone was shedding tears," she told reporters. | |
Government spokesman Marcelo Diaz said the law "was unthinkable a few years ago" in Chile, one of the most socially conservative countries in the region. | Government spokesman Marcelo Diaz said the law "was unthinkable a few years ago" in Chile, one of the most socially conservative countries in the region. |
Gay rights advocates say they hope it is a first step on the road towards allowing same-sex marriages. | Gay rights advocates say they hope it is a first step on the road towards allowing same-sex marriages. |
Key rights | Key rights |
Co-habiting couples who register under the new law will be able to claim pension benefits and inherit property if their civil partner dies. | Co-habiting couples who register under the new law will be able to claim pension benefits and inherit property if their civil partner dies. |
It will also make it easier for people to get custody of their partner's child if he or she dies. | It will also make it easier for people to get custody of their partner's child if he or she dies. |
The Law for All Families was passed in January after years of lobbying by activists. | The Law for All Families was passed in January after years of lobbying by activists. |
Officials said 1,600 couples had already signed up to register their unions. | Officials said 1,600 couples had already signed up to register their unions. |
The government says as many as two million people are currently co-habiting and could now have their unions legally recognised. | The government says as many as two million people are currently co-habiting and could now have their unions legally recognised. |
Chile only legalised divorce in 2004 and abortion remains totally banned. | Chile only legalised divorce in 2004 and abortion remains totally banned. |
Many countries in the region allow civil unions but gay marriage has been legalised nationwide only in Argentina and Uruguay, while it is also allowed in some Mexican states. | |
In Brazil, Congress has not legalised gay marriage but a key judicial body has instructed registry offices they must accept same-sex marriages. | In Brazil, Congress has not legalised gay marriage but a key judicial body has instructed registry offices they must accept same-sex marriages. |
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