Cuba to hold referendum on same-sex marriage, surrogate pregnancies, signalling shift away from machismo culture

If approved, new family code would replace a law in effect since 1975 and define marriage as a union between two people, rather than a man and a woman

Law would be one of the most progressive in Latin America, where same-sex marriage is only legal in eight other countries

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Cubans will vote on Sunday in a referendum on whether to allow same-sex marriage and surrogate pregnancies, which experts say could turn into an opportunity to voice opposition against the government. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:05am, 25 Sep 2022Updated: 1:40pm, 25 Sep 2022

Cubans on Sunday will vote in a landmark referendum on whether to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption, allow surrogate pregnancies and give greater rights to non-biological parents.

The new family code, promoted by the communist government, would represent a major shift in Cuba, where the culture of machismo is strong and where the LGBTQ community was ostracised by authorities in the 1960s and 1970s.

More than eight million Cubans over 16 are invited to vote “Yes” or “No” amid the country’s worst economic crisis in 30 years, and experts say the referendum could turn into an opportunity to voice opposition against the government.

If approved, the new family code would replace a law in effect since 1975 and define marriage as the union between two people, rather than that of a man and a woman.

It would also permit surrogate pregnancies, as long as no money changes hands, while boosting children’s rights and those of the elderly and people with disabilities.

A billboard which reads “For the Cuban Families, your vote counts!” referring to a family code referendum to take place on Sunday, is displayed in Havana, Cuba. Photo: Reuters

“The family code sets out above all respect for human beings, respect for each [person] and everyone,” said President Miguel Diaz-Canel.