Cuba working toward same-sex unions

Cuban authorities are considering the legalization of same-sex civil unions. The announcement was made by Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro. As Castro told the interviewer, “A socialist society can’t be a homophobic one.”

Castro, the island’s leading gay rights advocate, said Cuban authorities are already studying the proposal in preparation for the upcoming Community Party conference on Jan. 28. “This is a historic opportunity, and I think we’re close to having draft legislation,” said Castro, who also revealed in the interview that gay Cubans can serve in the military. “We’ve been working on this issue for a long time, with a lot of activism. We’re starting to see results and a political solution.” Six other Latin American nations already recognize same-sex civil unions: Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico (in certain states).

[via Global Public Square – CNN.com Blogs]