Brazilian lawmakers are considering
putting the question of whether to legalize gay marriage to a popular
vote.
According to Correio
Braziliense, the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of
Deputies is considering three proposals related to gay unions.
On Wednesday, the commission approved
with little debate asking voters in October: “Are you for or
against same-sex civil unions?” The text still needs the blessings
of the committees on Finance and Taxation, the Constitution and
Justice, followed by floor votes.
The Human Rights Commission of the
Chamber of Deputies is headed by Pastor Marco Feliciano.
Congressman Feliciano is a well-known
evangelical pastor and an outspoken opponent of gay rights who has
called AIDS a “gay cancer.” He is the leader of the Social
Christian Party.
Gay couples in Brazil gained the right
to marry earlier this year through a court ruling which states that
notary publics cannot deny a gay couple's request for a marriage
license. Feliciano's Social Christian Party appealed the ruling,
arguing that it is unconstitutional because Congress has not
legalized same-sex marriage.
A second proposal approved by the
commission would negate the effects of the court's ruling. The
committee rejected a third proposal which sought to allow a gay
person to assign his or her partner as a dependent for the purpose of
Social Security benefits.
Feliciano called the session “very
productive.”