While Chile is still dragging its feet on marriage equality, it has just passed a law allowing civil unions:
Hundreds of same-sex couples in Chile will head to registry offices this week to celebrate civil unions, which will become legal for the first time in the country on Thursday.
Although the Catholic church is a powerful influence in the region, Latin America has been relatively quick to embrace the recognition of same-sex unions. Same-sex marriage has been legalized in recent years in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and some parts of Mexico.
While its not full equality, its still a step forward. And hopefully, as in New Zealand, it will help lay the groundwork for full equality in the near future.
