Voters in Cuba turned out in favor of legalizing marriage equality Sunday, following years of government oppression against the LGBTQ+ community in the Caribbean island nation.
The reforms were part of a larger piece of legislation known as the ‘family code.’ In addition to allowing LGBTQ+ couples to marry, the new law allows them to adopt children. The law also contains protections for women, children, and the elderly. In addition to having the support of the country’s one-party government, the legislation notably had the backing of Mariela Castro, LGBTQ+ activist and daughter of Cuba’s former Communist leader Raúl Castro.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel took to Twitter to celebrate the passage of the family code, writing in a tweet that has been translated to read: ‘Once again, from the depths of our feelings: Congratulations #Cuba#LoveIsNowTheLaw.’
Sunday’s results are an historic moment for a country that previously had openly persecuted much of its LGBTQ+ people in the decades prior. According to CNN, LGBTQ+ Cubans were sent to government work camps in the early days of Fidel Castro’s Communist government. And even though same-sex relations were legalized in 1979, de facto discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals was deeply ingrained in Cuban culture for a lengthy period thereafter.
Per the AP, the Cuban people voted for the referendum 67% to 33%. Though it ultimately passed handily, the family code sparked a level of opposition that exceeded expectations, considering the government’s support, with the country’s vocal evangelical community speaking out against the referendum.
