In a historic move, Cubans have approved a new constitution that recognizes gay marriage by a large margin in a referendum held on February 24, 2019. The constitutional reform was approved by 86.85% of voters in the referendum, which was attended by more than 7 million people.
The new constitution replaces the previous one, which was adopted in 1976. It recognizes the right to same-sex marriage, as well as the protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
This move is considered a significant step forward for LGBT rights in Cuba, a country where homosexuality was once considered a crime and where the LGBT community has faced discrimination and harassment in the past.
The new constitution was promoted by the current Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has expressed his support for the LGBT community in the past. In a speech delivered in 2018, he stated that “the Cuban revolution has been a revolution of inclusion, and that includes the LGBT community”.
Despite this progress, there are still challenges that the LGBT community in Cuba faces, such as access to health care and employment discrimination. However, the approval of the new constitution is seen as a major step towards greater equality and inclusion for all Cubans.
The referendum also included other changes to the constitution, such as the creation of the position of prime minister and the limitation of presidential terms to two consecutive terms. The reforms are part of a broader effort by the Cuban government to modernize its political and economic systems.
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