Lawmakers in Chile are considering a
bill which seeks to recognize the relationships of gay and lesbian
couples.
The legislation, first introduced in
2011 by President Sebastian Pinera, is one of three put on a
fast-track before Pinera's term ends next month and Michelle
Bachelet, who led the nation from 2006 to 2010, returns as president.
Pinera's bill would allow gay and
straight couples who have live together for more than one year to
enter a legal contract called the Life Partner Agreement (Acuerdo
de Vida en Pareja), or AVP.
The Senate has agreed to the
legislation in principle.
Appearing on CNN
Chile, Senator-elect Ivan Moreira (UDI) said that if the
legislation is not enacted, the incoming government will certainly
legalize marriage for gay couples.
Moreira said that he prefers civil
unions over marriage for gay couples, calling such unions a “lesser
evil.”