Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador

Civil unions which have the same rights as heterosexual civil unions with the exception of adoption rights were legalized by the approval of the 2008 Constitution of Ecuador^[1] and implemented in September 2009. First civil union was performed in October 2009.^{[2][3][4][5][6][7]} Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned in Ecuador. Article 67 reads "Marriage is the union between man and woman is based on the free consent of the parties and their equal rights, obligations and legal capacity. "^[8]

Background

In September 2008, Ecuadorians overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to adopt a new constitution.^[9] Article 68 of the approved constitution grants full rights to homosexual civil unions. Since early in the 20th century, heterosexual civil unions (requiring two years of living together) have enjoyed the same rights as civil marriage. In the late 19th century the liberal revolution led by Eloy Alfaro established a clear separation between state and church. Since this separation of state and church was consolidated in the first decades of the 20th century, only civil marriage or unions have been recognized by the state. Under the new constitutuion the only significant difference between homosexual and hetereosexual unions is that adoptions by same-sex couples are not recognized. Adoption rights are the same for heterosexual civil unions as for civil marriages, but do not extend to same-sex unions.^[9] Protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation had already been introduced in the 1998 constitution, Ecuador being among the first three countries in the world to adopt such a constitutional protection.

South America      Same-sex marriage      Other type of partnership      Unregistered cohabitation      Unrecognized or unknown      No recognition, issue under consideration      No recognition, only same-sex marriage officially banned      No recognition, all types of partnerships officially banned      Homosexuality illegal

Ecuador's new leftist president, Rafael Correa, had openly stated that he wanted the document to allow homosexual unions. "Let's be clear that the profoundly humanistic position of this government is to respect the intrinsic dignity of everyone, of every human being, independently of their creed, race, sexual preference," Correa said. "We will give certain guarantees to stable gay couples but matrimony will continue being reserved for a man, a woman and the family." "Every person has dignity, that's to say, one must respect a person independently of their sexual preference. Be careful not to deny employment to someone because of their sexual preference. That is discrimination, that is unconstitutional."^[10][11]

Referendum and enforcement

The Constitution passed the referendum by 70 % of approval. It is officially recorded as of October 21, 2008.^[12]

Text of article 68 of Ecuador Constitution

In spanish : Art. 68.- "La unión estable y monogámica entre dos personas libres de vínculo matrimonial que formen un hogar de hecho, por el lapso y bajo las condiciones y circunstancias que señale la ley, generará los mismos derechos y obligaciones que tienen las familias constituidas mediante matrimonio. La adopción corresponderá sólo a parejas de distinto sexo."

that is :

"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 the marriage, are holding. Adoption will only correspond to couples of different sexes."

See also

• LGBT rights in Ecuador
• Civil union

References

1. ^ New Ecuador constitution includes gay rights guarantees
2. ^ Se realizó primera unión civil homosexual en Ecuador
3. ^ Legalización de uniones homosexuales en Ecuador
4. ^ Se realizó primera unión civil homosexual en Ecuador
5. ^ Ecuador celebró la primera unión de hecho entre personas del mismo sexo, desatando la indignación de la iglesia católica
6. ^ Ecuador celebró la primera unión de hecho entre personas del mismo sexo, desatando la indignación de la iglesia católica
7. ^ Dos Lesbianas formalizan la primera unión de hecho en Ecuador
8. ^ Art. 67 Ecuador Constitution - 2008
9. ^ ^{a b} CONSTITUCIÓN DEL ECUADOR
10. ^ Ecuadorean president supports same-sex partnerships
11. ^ Presidente Correa: Ecuador es un Estado laico que debe respetar todas las creencias
12. ^ Ecuador's new constitution goes into effect

External links

• Ecuador Provides Civil Unions

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