Cuba recognizes same-sex marriage

Not everyone was satisfied

On Sunday, Cuba held a nationwide referendum on a new family code. And on Monday it turned out that the Cubans approved it. One of the measures was the legalization of same-sex marriages, which was an unprecedented step for this island nation. Not everyone welcomed the new measures with enthusiasm. In particular, the evangelical community of Cuba openly opposed the adoption of such a “family code”, but they were not heeded. What other points were included in the document, and how Havana went from a conservative course immediately to radical decisions – we understand the material.

Cuba legalized same-sex marriage. It already sounds futuristic, although it is the absolute truth. Cubans have approved a “family law” code that will allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. The rights of children and grandparents themselves are also being redefined. The measure, containing more than 400 articles, was approved by 66.9% against 33.1%, Alina Balceiro Gutiérrez, chairman of Cuba’s national electoral council, told official media. The reforms met with unusually strong open resistance from the growing evangelical movement and from many other Cubans. However, the government campaign in support of the measure and the widespread coverage of the topic in the media made it clear in advance that changes were coming and much was predetermined. In addition to the main shocking point, the code will now allow surrogacy, the elderly will be protected, and measures against gender-based violence will be taken.

The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, also felt possible problems with the adoption of the updated code, although he also promoted this law. “Most of our people will vote for the code, but it still has issues that our society as a whole doesn’t understand,” the president argued. After much debate, the measure was adopted by the National Assembly of People’s Power.

It is especially surprising to perceive the fact that happened, knowing that Cuba is distinguished by strong social conservatism. While the Republic was officially—often militantly—atheistic, it has become more tolerant of various religions in recent decades. This has come to mean greater openness not only to the once-dominant Roman Catholic Church, but also to Afro-Cuban religions, Protestantism and Islam. This fact allowed the churches to speak out more about current events, and these words began to have a certain weight. So, some of the listed confessions took advantage of the greater freedom that appeared back in 2018 and 2019. Then they waged a large-scale campaign against another referendum that would rewrite the constitution and allow same-sex marriage. At that time, the government yielded, but now it has not been possible to reverse the decision. Despite the protests of Cuba’s evangelical community, a few weeks before the referendum, the Cuban government appeared in court in support of the new family code and the coverage of this topic in the state media. The need for change was explained by the fact that this would be new evidence that the revolution on the island, which is already more than six decades old, is able to adapt to the times. And in this case, history is worth remembering.

After the 1959 revolution, gay people were sent to labor camps, better known as “Military units to help production.” With them were sent political dissidents, priests and others whom the new government of Fidel Castro considered undesirable. There were cases when homosexuals entered into fictitious marriages in order not to fall under suspicion. Homosexuality was legalized 20 years later, but allegations of discrimination continued to come in. Ironically, Fidel Castro’s niece, Mariela, is now popularizing the topic. More than 10 years have been spent working with a delicate and rejected agenda. Now we can already say that she succeeded. Even in spite of the considerable number of dissenters.

Precedents for same-sex marriage began to appear even before the adoption of all laws. In September, two women staged a magnificent celebration on the occasion of … precisely their wedding. Cake with figurines, balloons, the famous pink car. Everything is as it should be. There was even a church service, after which the couple reminded the assembled friends and family of the need to vote for a new family code. But their union was not recognized by the Cuban government. But now it’s time to make a reservation: at least for now.