×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

EQUAL MARRIAGE in Cuenca

8 years ago
The province where Cuenca is located has now taken the same symbolic step that helped establish equal marriage in the USA.

In 2014 Ecuador granted civil union rights to gay couples. Does anyone know why the politician quoted below says Ecuador does not have civil union rights for gay couples?
_____€
This province in Ecuador has just passed 'symbolic gay marriage'
And it undermines Ecuador's consitutional ban on equal marriage

Maurizio Costanzo

The capital of Azuay, Cuenca

6 March 2016

by Jack Flanagan

Azuay province in southern Ecuador unanimously voted in favour of a ‘symbolic gesture’ for gay marriage on March 4.

Various heads of towns and cities in the province came together and agreed on a form of legally-recognized union same-sex couples can register for, but which will not be the same as a marriage.

The prefect of Azuay, Paúl Carrasco, said: ‘Ecuador does not recognise civil unions between same-sex people.

‘[However], the Provincial Government of Azuay will recognize, as a symbolic gesture, LGBTI marriage registration, for couples who want to register their partnership.’

The news is especially surprising given Ecuador’s constitutional ban on same sex marriage. De facto gay partnerships do exist in Ecuador but without adoption rights.

To date, only three South American countries have equal marriage: Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

Addressing the controversial decision, Carrasco said: ‘The Azuay prefecture will not… be acting illegally. [The decision] is a symbolic tool in the interests of human rights in Azuay, based on the recognition of sexual diversity and enhancing rights.’

Speaking on ‘behalf of the LGBTI’ community, according to newspaper El Comercio, Wilmer González said: ‘Azuay is giving priority to the rights of everybody.

‘Now we can talk about a marriage for the LGBT population. Though it is symbolic, today marks an important milestone with this ordinance.’

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Ecuador GuideLiving in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute to Ecuador Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in EcuadorHealthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in EcuadorCost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to EcuadorMoving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in EcuadorReal Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros Cons of Living in EcuadorPros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in EcuadorRetiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Ecuador Network Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides