Chiles President Backs Civil Unions

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 Chile's President Backs Civil Unions Bill
 
 Michelle Garcia 
          
          Aug 10, 2011
          
Michelle Garcia
 See Full Bio    
The conservative president of Chile made the case Tuesday for legalizing civil unions for gay and straight couples in the Latin American country. 

President Sebastian Pinera signed a proposal for the law and sent it to Congress. He said that 2 million people in Chile live together but are not in a formal marriage.

"All forms of marriage deserve respect, dignity, and the support of the state," he said, according to the Agence France-Presse. Pinera still opposes marriage equality but he said his beliefs do not prevent him "from recognizing that other forms of affective relationships exist."

Pinera's stance is a big change for the country, which did not recognize divorces until 2004.
 
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Chile's President Backs Civil Unions Bill

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Chile's President Backs Civil Unions Bill

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The Latest

The congresswoman’s statewide campaign sprint revealed deep anxiety over affordability and the federal government’s broken promises.

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South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to serve temporarily after her brother died.

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LGBTQ+ stories deserve to be told.

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Most Popular

The stories about the late Republican senator's sexuality may multiply after his death. None of them changes who he chose to be, writes John Casey

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After initial mixed reactions, the new queer film is gaining a ton of momentum online for the duo's 'sexual chemistry.'

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We may not always do the heavy lifting at the family gathering, but we make it fun.

The Irish-born actor, who rose to fame in the Jurassic Park movies, also used his voice to advocate for marriage equality.