August 03, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Aug. 3, 2004 - A majority of people in Chile support allowing some basic rights for homosexual partners, according to a poll by Fundación Chile 21. 64 per cent of respondents think same-sex couples should be allowed to form civil unions.

(CPOD) Aug. 3, 2004 - A majority of people in Chile support allowing some basic rights for homosexual partners, according to a poll by Fundación Chile 21. 64 per cent of respondents think same-sex couples should be allowed to form civil unions.

In several European countries, civil unions give same-sex partners some of the legal rights of married couples such as inheritance, insurance and hospital visiting privileges.

Support is lower for an official recognition of same-sex marriage. 65 per cent of respondents disagree with the concept of wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, as it may entail the possibility of homosexual couples adopting children.

In May, president Ricardo Lagos authorized a law that allows divorce in Chile for the first time, and established that the morning-after pill should be available to women who wish to terminate a pregnancy caused by rape. In 1996, a project to legalize homosexual relations was rejected by the Chilean Senate.

Polling Data

Several European countries allow for a form of civil union that guarantees some civil rights for same-sex couples. Would you agree or disagree with a similar proposal for Chile?

Agree	64%
Disagree	36%

In these same countries, the possibility of wedlock for same-sex partners is being discussed. Such unions may entail the possibility of same-sex couples adopting children. Would you agree or disagree with a similar proposal for Chile?

Agree	34%
Disagree	65%

Source: Fundación Chile 21
Methodology: Interviews to 603 Chilean adults in 10 cities, conducted in July 2004. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.