President of Chile promises to finally push forward same-sex marriage bill

Chile’s president Sebastián Piñera has said he will aim to push through a same-sex marriage bill that has been languishing in parliament for years.

The government introduced civil partnerships in 2015, but a same-sex marriage bill that was first introduced in 2017 has so far failed to make its way through parliament.

Speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday (1 June), Piñera said it is time for the historically conservative country to legalise same-sex marriage, according to Reuters.

“I think we should deepen the value of freedom including the freedom to love and to form a family with a loved one,” Piñera said.

“The time has come to guarantee this freedom and dignity to all people. I think the time has come for same-sex marriage in our country.”

He added: “All people, regardless of their sexual orientation, will be able to live, love and form a family with all the protection and dignity they need and deserve.”