LGBT rights in Chile

Law against homosexuality

In Chile exist no sodomy laws. The age of consent for homosexuals was set at 18, when homosexuality was legalised in 1998. The age of consent for heterosexual sex is lower at 12. [ [http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5229.html Chilean court delivers controversial sodomy conviction- from Pink News- all the latest gay news from the gay community - Pink News ] ]

Protection based on sexual orientation in law

There is no anti-discrimination law, however a bill to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is being debated. Fact|date=June 2007In January 2004, the Chilean Supreme Court removed judge Daniel Calvo from his position on the Santiago Court of Appeals, after media reports that he visited a sauna frequented by gay men.

Recognition of same sex couples

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. But the government has proposed recognition of civil unions for same sex couples. The bill was introduced in 2004.

In 2004, the Chilean Supreme Court confirmed a lower court's decision that stripped former judge Karen Atala of custody of her three daughters because she is a lesbian. The case has been taken up by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Gay life in the country

The gay scene is small compared with West or even neighbors like Argentina and Brazil and is mostly concentrated in Santiago but it is growing. Public opinion has shown substantial support for same-sex civil unions 65% favored their legalization in 2004; only 24% supported same-sex marriage. Fact|date=February 2007

References

External links

* [http://www.movilh.org Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual] (MOVILH)
* [http://www.mums.cl Movimiento Unificado de Minorías Sexuales] (MUMS)
* [http://www.cuds.cl Coordinadora Universitaria por la Diversidad Sexual] (CUDS)