Report: Cuba to consider civil unions for gay couples this year

The Cuban Parliament will debate a proposal to legalize civil unions for gay couples in order to finally end discrimination according to sexologist and niece of Fidel Castro, and daughter of the current President Raul Castro, Mariela Castro.

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"So far, the debate has been scheduled for debate for this legislative session of 2012 as announced in a press conference by the Justice Minister of Cuba" reported Castro.

The proposed legislation will not address gay marriage or change the definition of marriage in the island but rather add a new set of laws for partners of the same sex who would want to voluntarily contract into a civil union.

Castro also expects for the ruling (and only) Cuban Communist party to add non-discrimination addressing sexual orientation to their platform in their upcoming party convention which will be used as an avenue to ensure passage of the civil unions bill.

"Hopefully these changes would help combat prejudices and discrimination still faced by many due to their sexual orientation or gender identity," she adds. "These measures are a response to insure all citizens' rights are protected."

Homosexuality in Cuba has been for a long time a taboo and gay, lesbian Cubans faced stigma and even imprisonment in labor camps under the new Castro regime right after the Cuban revolution and communist take over of 1959. But in recent years the tide has changed as more people like Mariela Castro among other intellectuals took over the discussion in the 90's and even as of late having Fidel Castro himself repenting for the maltreatment of gays in his country in a recent interview.

The Cuban film industry has also been very influential with regards to gay acceptance with films like "Fresa Y Chocolate" that has changed the conversation and awareness of gay and lesbian issues.

The parliament in Cuba is only in session in July and December of every year.

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