Gay rights in Venezuela

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Contents 1 Gay Law 2 Recognition of same sex couples 3 Gay life in the country 4 External links

[edit] Gay Law

Homosexuality is legal in Venezuela. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was outlawed in the 1999 Organic Labour Law (Ley Orgánica de Trabajo).

In the process leading up to the adoption of the new 1999 Venezuelan Constitution, anti-discrimination provisions were proposed, however due to forceful opposition from the Catholic Church, they where dropped from the final draft. In 2001, there were renewed attempts to include them in the Constitution. In 2002, Current President Hugo Chávez voiced his regret for their exclusion, signaling that they may be included in future rounds of constitutional reform.

Gays have been officially barred from military service since 1998.

[edit] Recognition of same sex couples

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. In 2006, newly elected legislators have stated their intention to debate same-sex marriage legalization in the national assembly.

[edit] Gay life in the country

Venezuela is home to a thriving gay community. Since 2000, International Day of Gay Rights has been marked, while recently the government has began participating in Gay Pride Day for the first time. However, police harassment and homophobia in the workplace remain as serious problems.

[edit] External links

• Gay Venezuela