Why did cuba stop supporting gay marriage

HAVANA — Cuban evangelical churches are collecting signatures to petition against a proposed constitutional amendment that would open the door to gay marriage, as part of an unusually strong nongovernmental political campaign for the Communist-run island. Cubans have been discussing the broader revamp of their Soviet-era constitution, as proposed by the Communist Party, at official block-level meetings nationwide since August.

Article 68, which redefines matrimony as gender neutral, has sparked a particular uproar, revealing how macho Cuban society remains despite making headway on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender LGBT rights in recent years. The Methodist Church is one of 21 evangelical denominations that this month started gathering signatures for a petition against the amendment.

Diaz Torres said he would be happy to finally be able to marry his boyfriend of 14 years if the constitution were approved and the necessary legal changes made.

Cuba overwhelmingly approves same-sex marriage in referendum

But he wished Cubans would use the public consultation to address other issues like human rights. The consultation has provoked an unusually open debate for Cuba, with some citizens, for example, calling for direct elections for president. Yet some topics, like the possibility of another political or economic system, appear to remain off-limits.

Fidel Castro died in If the constitution were approved with Article 68 in place, Cuba would be on track to joining Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay in allowing same-sex couples to marry. Given that it already guarantees other LGBTQ rights like free sex-reassignment surgeries, this would make it an unlikely regional leader in LGBTQ rights, particularly in the Caribbean where homophobia is rife and some countries still have anti-sodomy laws.

However, the government has promised to take into account public suggestions for a final version to be put to a referendum early next year. This could put the government in a bind if it wants to prove the public consultation is a real example of participatory democracy, and not, as some opponents say, a fraud.

But they complain the government does not officially recognize most independent activists and occasionally harasses them. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Skip to Content. NBC News Logo. Search Search. Profile My News Sign Out.