Ecuador: Civil Code Reforms Further Rights of Same-Sex Couples

Reforms to Ecuador’s Civil Code recognizing same-sex unions are sparking debate. Measures have been passed by Ecuador’s National Assembly raising the legal age of marriage to 18, specifying criteria for marriage and divorce, and making civil unions the fifth legally recognized civil status in the country. The reform specifies that such a union is open to couples of all sexual orientations, that it must be stable and monogamous between two people of legal age, and that it is not considered as marriage. LGBTQ activists hope that the recognition of same-sex unions in the Civil Code will be a step towards achieving the full right to marriage. The reforms passed by the National Assembly are now under revision by President Rafael Correa and the Executive Branch, to be approved, altered or rejected. Liz Sherffius reports from Quito for teleSUR.