Venezuela's Maduro, citing Pope, asks congress to consider same-sex marriage
Gay marriage is not currently legal in heavily Roman Catholic Venezuela, despite laws or court decisions in other South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Colombia legalizing same-sex marriage. "I have friends and acquaintances who are very happy with what the Pope said yesterday," Maduro said at an event with leaders of his ruling Socialist Party ahead of legislative elections scheduled for Dec. 6.
- Country:
- Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday asked the country's National Assembly to discuss same-sex marriage during its next term beginning in January, citing Pope Francis' comments this week supporting civil unions for same-sex couples. The Pope's comments were the clearest language yet he has used on the rights of gay people. Gay marriage is not currently legal in heavily Roman Catholic Venezuela, despite laws or court decisions in other South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Colombia legalizing same-sex marriage.
"I have friends and acquaintances who are very happy with what the Pope said yesterday," Maduro said at an event with leaders of his ruling Socialist Party ahead of legislative elections scheduled for Dec. 6. "I will leave that task, the task of LGBT marriage, to the next National Assembly." The National Assembly is currently under opposition control. The opposition has vowed to boycott the vote, arguing Maduro plans to rig it in his party's favor.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Maduro
- Nicolas Maduro
- Venezuelan
- South American
- Francis
ALSO READ
Venezuelan General Who Defied Maduro Sentenced to over 21 Years in US Prison
Venezuela oil sector braces for loss of US license, Maduro hits back
Venezuela arrests activist for alleged links to Maduro assassination attempt
US will not renew license that eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil, gas sector unless progress made by Maduro
Venezuela's Maduro orders embassy in Ecuador closed