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Debate has occurred throughout South America over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions.
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Currently 6 of the 12 sovereign countries in South America recognize some type of same-sex unions. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. An additional two countries have a form of civil union or registered partnership, namely Chile and Ecuador. South America was the first continent to have a majority of its inhabitants living in a jurisdiction that afforded same-sex couples the right to marry.
Sex between women is legal in the entire region, while sex between men is illegal only in Guyana, not to be confused with French Guiana.
Government proposals or proposals with a parliamentary majority
Chile On 10 December 2014, a group of senators from various parties joined LGBT rights group MOVILH in presenting a bill to allow same-sex marriage and adoption to Congress. On 17 February 2015, lawyers representing the Government and the LGBT rights group MOVILH met to discuss an amicable solution to the same-sex marriage lawsuit before the Inter-American Commission Of Human Rights. The Government announced that they would drop their opposition to same-sex marriage. A formal agreement will be signed in April and the case will still continue according to MOVILH's lawyer who stated that the lawsuit will live on until Chile enacts the law. On 1 July 2016, the Government announced that it would begin consultations on a same-sex marriage bill in September 2016, with the aim of finalising it by mid-2017.
Falkland Islands On 13 January 2016, following the public consultation, the Executive Council instructed the Attorney General to prepare the amendment to the Marriage Ordinance in order to allow same-sex marriage. The Executive Council presented draft legislation for equal marriage on 22 February 2017.
Government proposals or proposals with a parliamentary majority
Peru On 30 November 2016, a pair of Representatives introduced a civil union bill in the Peruvian Congress. The bill has the support of the recently elected President, who promised to introduce civil unions during the election campaign.
Public opinion
Public support for same-sex marriage varies from country to country. Polls have found support to be higher between younger people, women, city inhabitants and people with a higher education level.