Chile: LGBT Group Protests Discrimination on Valentine's Day

The Movement for Homosexual Inclusion and Liberation, Movilh, is set to hold a peaceful protest called “Amor Diverso” (Diverse Love) on Valentine’s Day. The sixth annual demonstration is organized against discrimination and the standing prohibition of same-sex marriage in Chile.  

RELATED: 
IAHRCourt Urges Costa Rica to Legalize Same-sex Marriage

According to Movilh activist and organizer Diego Rios, they will hold symbolic wedding ceremonies, have informative stands and a communal picnic to demand current President Michelle Bachelet make progress on legalizing same-sex marriage.

Rios told local newspaper El Ciudadano that “Chile signed a compromise with our organization before the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. To fulfill a part of the agreement, the legislative branch must vote on the idea of legalizing equal marriage before the executive's term is over." 

"Bachelet’s government must make all of the necessary arrangements to respect this. We will go to the streets to remember this agreement and demand its compliance," he added.

"Love has many colors, but some want it black and white. This #DiaDeLosEnamorados (#LoversDay) we demand equal rights for all couples. Equal marriage now! For a #FelizSanValentin (#HappyValentinesDay), today we demonstrate in Providencia and Concepcion at 2:00 p.m."

Bachelet’s presidential term will be over on March 11, when conservative businessman Sebastian Piñera will be sworn in as Chile’s president.

In an interview with local newspaper El Sur, Movilh spokesperson Esteban Guzman said that if Piñera fails to prioritize legislation on equal marriage, the group will have to appeal to the Inter American Court of Human Rights.

“We think there will be political will to discuss these legal projects in a civilized manner. The other option is to go forward with the lawsuit, but that is not the idea,” Guzman said.    

Last week, Movilh presented a lawsuit against Eduardo Duran, representative of the Evangelical Cathedral, and Christian Nieto, the Director of Communications of the National Council of Evangelical Churches, for claiming the LGBT organization promotes pedophilia and child prostitution.   

According to Movilh, the accusations constitute slander motivated by homophobia, which causes moral damage, inciting hate and discrimination.