Chile legalizes same-sex marriage to support gay candidate to win election same month as youngest president

Written by: Claudia

Text Editor: Cindy

Website Editor: EQ

[Same-sex marriage] After 10 years of civil struggle and congress, the Chilean congress finally passed the legalization of same-sex marriage in early December. Not only does the bill give same-sex couples the same legal rights, including allowing same-sex families to adopt children, it will also prompt the use of more gender-neutral language in national laws. Chile, a conservative Catholic country, has successfully legalized same-sex marriage, which is an important milestone for marriage equality in South America. In the same month, there was another good news: Gabriel Boric, a former student movement leader who supported gender/gender minority rights, won the presidential election and was elected the youngest president in Chilean history at the age of 35. A new chapter in freedom and more equality.

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Strive for the achievements of gay equality for many years

According to the 2020 census, nearly 60% of Chileans believe in Catholicism or Christianity. The church has a pivotal influence on local politics, and the folk customs are relatively conservative. Not only did Chile legalize divorce in 2004, but abortion-related regulations are also quite strict. As you can imagine, fighting for same-sex marriage in Chile will not be smooth sailing. Conservative politicians, including current presidential candidate José Antonio Kast, have spoken out against same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption.

In fact, as early as 2015, former Chilean president and prominent human rights advocate Michelle Bachelet signed the "Civil Union Act" applicable to same-sex couples. When she introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage to Congress two years later, it sparked a heated debate that has stalled the bill in Congress. After years of civil society push, President Sebastian Pinera gave a speech to Congress last June, expressing support for same-sex marriage and saying he would speed up the passage of a same-sex marriage bill. Since then, the Chilean Senate and House of Representatives have passed the same-sex marriage bill by a large margin, making Chile the sixth country in South America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2021.

Further reading: Chile’s civil union law comes into force for same-sex couples｜Danlan.com

When the bill was passed by Congress, President Pinera said: "Today is the time for marriage equality in our country, which will guarantee freedom and dignity for all, including the right and freedom of two people to love each other and form a family." MOVILH, a local gender/gender minority organization in 2009, also welcomed the changes brought about by the bill, pointing out that the legalization of same-sex marriage is a very important demand, which is of great significance to Chilean society and family life. After the same-sex marriage law takes effect, same-sex couples will enjoy full spousal benefits and adoption rights. The Chilean government also recognizes that both gays and lesbians are parents of biological or adopted children. The bill also promotes the adoption of more gender-neutral terminology in national laws, such as "spouse" which would replace "husband" or "wife".

35-year-old supports gay candidate to become Chile's youngest president

In addition to legalizing same-sex marriage, Chilean politics also ushered in new changes in December. Apruebo Dignidad, a presidential candidate from the local left-wing coalition of political parties and a former student movement leader, won more than 55% of the vote in the second round of the presidential election. By a larger margin than expected, he defeated the right-wing "Chilean Republican" candidate Castor, who won about 44% of the vote, and became the youngest president in Chilean history at the age of 35.

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Borrick rose to prominence as a student leader for his efforts to free tuition for low-income students. During the campaign, he proposed a left-wing welfare state platform, including expanding the public health system, student debt relief, raising the minimum wage, reforming the tax system, and more. He also supported gay rights, and after winning the election reiterated that he would resolutely defend the rights of minorities and build a "more humane, dignified and more equal Chile". Conversely, Borrick's opponent, Custer, a devout Catholic, opposes same-sex marriage and abortion, and advocates conservative social policies that include further restrictions on abortion, as well as support for tax and social spending cuts.

"Hope to conquer fear! Thank you for your support!"

With Custer ahead of other candidates in pre-election polls, many female voters and minority groups fear that if Custer wins the election, their rights may be restricted and Chile will backtrack on issues such as equality and freedom. After Boric won the election, Chileans flooded the streets of Santiago, waving slogans supporting Beric, rainbow flags, and chanting "Long live Chile" to celebrate the historic victory.

Chile to welcome first transgender member of parliament this year

In addition to the birth of a liberal president who supports gender/gender equality in Chile, the representation of gender/gender minorities in Congress is also expected to increase. Emilia Schneider was elected the first transgender member of Congress in November and will be sworn in in the House of Representatives in March 2022. Schneider is a law student at the University of Chile and a former student union president. In the past two years, he has organized and led a number of student movements, gradually rising in the political arena, representing an unconventional force for change.

"Today is a day with mixed feelings. On the one hand, hatred has grown; on the other, there is still hope. Thank you for your support. Today, I am honored to be the first transgender member of the Chilean Congress. To be able to take this step, the whole country Lai feminists and dissidents have been fighting for it.”

The gap between the rich and the poor in Chile is very serious, and the society is seriously divided after the election. The public expects a new look from Borrick. However, the left and right parties in Congress are evenly matched, and Borrick will face many tests after taking office. It remains to be seen whether a comprehensive change can be carried out. However, Chile, which has taken a big step on the road to equal rights, believes that it will continue to move forward in the future and become a more equal and free country.

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