South America

ArgentinaBrazilCanadaMexicoPress ReleasesUruguay
COHA

The Hemisphere’s State of Same-Sex Partnership Recognition: Canada Very Much in the Lead

Gay couples are rejoicing in California, where they have recently obtained the right to marry, but in other parts of the Western Hemisphere, same-sex partnership-recognition is more of a dream than a reality. In Latin America, the historical influence of traditional rigid Catholic values toward gender and sexuality as well as the societal norm of machismo have created a cultural prejudice profoundly adverse to homosexuality. Many Caribbean nations, long known for their homophobia, lie on the opposite end of the spectrum from their North American neighbors such as Canada, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 with the Civil Marriage Act. Though there has been pro-gay legislation proposed by governments throughout Latin America, little headway has been made in actually passing laws that would expand marriage rights to homosexuals.

Successful National Legislation
Only two countries in the Western Hemisphere have passed national legislation legalizing gay partnership rights; one allows gay marriages and the other recognizes civil unions. Canada is by far the most progressive country in granting equality to its homosexual population, as evidenced by its nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005. According to the 2006 Canadian Census—the only time the government has collected data specifically counting same-sex married couples—there were nearly 15,000 married homosexuals in the country. It is not surprising that the most socially liberal nation in North America would be the first to pass such a controversial law.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Taylor Holt.

Rebels With a Vanishing Cause: The FARC in Colombia

On Sunday, July 20th, hundreds of thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Sunday, July 20 to protest Colombia’s ongoing forty year civil war. Chants of “Libertad” echoed throughout not only Bogotá but also Paris, the home of recently-released FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt, a figure who could be of extraordinary importance to the nation’s future. Colombian immigrants also staged rallies throughout the U.S. to call for the unconditional release of all hostages by the armed group.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associates Suzana Shepard-Durini and Jessica Bryant.

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Press ReleasesVenezuela
COHA

The Women’s Development Bank in Venezuela: “Creating a Caring Economy”

The Women’s Development Bank in Venezuela, abbreviated Banmujer, joins a long trend of micro-credit institutions intended to alleviate poverty by supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. What makes Banmujer unique is that it loans only to women; in fact, it is the only state-sponsored women’s micro-credit bank in the world. Since its inception on March 8, 2001, Banmujer has been commended for its successes in helping women escape poverty and in instilling a new economic model of cooperation instead of competition.

Women’s Rights in Venezuela
Over the past decade, the Venezuelan government has been remarkably supportive of women’s rights. For example, the Bolivarian Constitution, adopted in 1999, uses non-sexist and gender-neutral language throughout. Instead of “all men are created equal,” as is stated in the U.S. Constitution, Venezuela’s constitution holds that “all persons are equal before the law.” When discussing the role of the President, it says “Presidente o Presidenta,” instead of using only the male form.

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BrazilPress Releases
COHA

Biofuels and the Global Food Crisis – Who Is to Blame?

    – Following the UN world food summit, Brazil strongly backs its sugar-based ethanol strategy

    – Brazil enters into new trade agreements with developing nations

    – Rich nations reluctant to reduce domestic food subsidies

    – Positive impacts of Brazilian ethanol

    – Brazil’s mixed message: destroying or preserving its Amazon Rainforest

U.S.-Brazil tension, a relatively recent development, resurfaced during the UN World Food Summit in Rome on June 3-5, encouraging the booming Brazilian sugar-based ethanol market to increase its new development projects. This rift represents a de facto counter move against the far less-efficient U.S. model predicated on corn-based ethanol production. Following the summit, Brazilian officials began a weeklong tour, stopping in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, during which they discussed a set of commercial agreements that will boost multilateral cooperation with several African countries. The trade agreements, projected to begin in 2009, include an expansion in ethanol investment, urbanism, air and sea transport, and cooperation in professional training between the two regions.

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This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Maggie Airriess.

Recent COHA Citations

A Sampling of Citations from the Period of June 30, 2008 to July 14, 2008:

–The Narco News Bulletin: What is the Venezuelan News Media Actually Like?

–Wordpress.org: Critics Contend that Argentine Farmers’ Grain and Meat Export Strike Wrongfully Blamed by President for Government’s Irresponsible Mismanagement of Economic Policy

–La Prensa: Oaxaca’s Government Land Grab

–New York Times: McCain Heads Today for Colombia, Where Adviser Has Long Had Ties

–Canada Free Press: FARC in negotiations to demilitarize

–Houston Chronicle: Hostage Rescue Will Likely Reinforce U.S. Ties

–Bloomberg: Ecuador’s Ortiz Quits After Correa Seizes Companies

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