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reuters
Cuba's parliament has announced a new family law which will be put to a referendum on September 25. It would legalize same-sex marriage and civil unions, as well as allow same-sex couples to adopt children.
Cuba's parliament announced on Friday that the country will hold a referendum on the legalization of same-sex marriage and surrogate parenthood.
The referendum on the new family law is scheduled to be held on September 25.
Decision 'left in the hands of the people'
"The final decision will be left in the hands of the people," the National Assembly's secretary said.
"We are convinced that in due time, the majority of the Cuban people will endorse this revolutionary, inclusive and democratic code."
The new family code was debated on in community meetings earlier this year. Organizers said 62% of participants expressed support.
When Cuba's constitution was revised in 2019, LGBTQ activists pushed to include same-sex marriage in the new version of the document. This was ultimately withdrawn due to opposition from conservative and religious groups.
The new law would also offer increased protections for children, the elderly and other family members as well as greater women's rights.
Furthermore, it would allow prenuptial agreements, adoption of children by same-sex couples and surrogate pregnancies, though not for profit. It will promote the equal sharing of domestic responsibilities.
reuters
Cuba's National Assembly on Friday approved a sweeping update of its family law which opens the door to allowing gay marriage, greater women's rights, and increased protections for children, the elderly and other family members.
The new Families Code will be put to a referendum vote on Sept. 25 after being debated in community meetings earlier this year, where organizers said 62% of participants expressed their support.
That is relatively low by Cuban standards, where the recently-passed new constitution was approved with 86% of the vote. Policy proposals in previous referendums have seen support of around 95%.
The code promoted "love, affection, care, sensitivity, respect for others and the harmony of our families," Justice Minister Oscar Manuel Silvera said, presenting the code for the vote at the National Assembly.
Opponents to the rule change include many churches.
"What has been happening is sad because it is going to bring confrontation," said Methodist pastor Henry Nurse.
"It goes against what has been taught for many generations of years throughout the world about the true traditional marriage that is between a man and a woman," he said.
The new code would legalize same-sex marriage and civil unions, allow same-sex couples to adopt children, and promote equal sharing of domestic responsibilities. It will also allow prenuptial agreements and surrogate pregnancies, though not for profit.
