Gay rights groups push for same-sex marriage in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Gay rights activists are renewing efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Chile.
Two groups have formally asked the South American country's controller-general to require President Sebastián Piñera's government to promote a measure in congress to legalize same-sex marriage.
The left-leaning administration of former President Michelle Bachelet promised the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 2016 that it would push for such a measure. But Piñera's conservative administration backed away, saying the commitment is not binding on it.
The comptroller's office oversees proper application of laws in Chile.
The Equals Foundation filed its request Monday. The Movement of Homosexual Integration and Liberation joined it on Tuesday.
Chile allows gay civil unions, but doesn't register same-sex weddings. In recent years it has liberalized some laws, such as permitting divorce.
