First same-sex civil unions performed in Chile

Same-sex couples have been legally recognised in Chile for the first time.

Since now, Chile’s Civil Registry can perform civil union ceremonies for same-sex couples.

After 12 years of debate, President Michelle Bachelet signed the Civil Union Agreement into law.

The new bill will also allow couples to inherit each other’s property, join their partner’s health plan and receive pension benefits.

Although the country maintains a ban on same-sex marriage and adoption, many see this as the first step to gaining full equal rights for same-sex couples in Chile.

Congrats to the new couples!