A thread on the Families Code and referendum in Cuba. This is a comprehensive piece of legislation, widely described as being one of the most progressive in the world.
ICYMI, 74% of Cuban voters aged 16+ turned out to vote on the "Families Code" in Cuba. Slightly more than 66% voted "Yes" while slightly less than 34% voted "No" on it.
That's about half of the population voting yes, a quarter voting no, and a quarter not voting.
That's about half of the population voting yes, a quarter voting no, and a quarter not voting.
This follows a referendum in 2019 where 90% of Cuban voters turned out to vote on amendments to the constitution. 90% of them voted yes.
That's about 81% voting yes, 9% voting no, and 10% not voting.
That's about 81% voting yes, 9% voting no, and 10% not voting.
What is important to understand about these processes is that they're not democratic just because they were put to a referendum; they are democratic because of the organised mass effort at the community level.
Cuba's political leaders did not just call a vote and give the people 2 pre-determined options.
In each case, they sent out a proposed draft and subjected it to scrutiny in public consultation sessions.
In each case, they sent out a proposed draft and subjected it to scrutiny in public consultation sessions.
People all across Cuba, as well as Cubans living overseas, were allowed to participate in a series of multiple meetings where they gave feedback and proposed changes to the drafts.
Some people openly opposed provisions in the draft constitution in 2019, including one that would have legalised same-sex marriage from then, which is why the proposal for same-sex marriage had to be withdrawn and deferred to the Families Code.
Since the discussion on the Families Code would give more focus to certain issues rather than just being a part of a broader constitutional reform process, there was more time for people to engage each other on it, horizontally in their communities.
So this was not a process directed by rich individuals like we have the PSOJ in Jamaica, nor was it a process directed by foreign-funded NGOs whose paid employees pretend to be activists.
This was a process directed by the Cuban masses from their communities.
This was a process directed by the Cuban masses from their communities.
Some persons straight up posted selfies with their "No" vote on the ballot, I saw at least 1 person taking a picture of their ID with the ballot.
This is despite the ruling party and the government campaigning for a "Yes" vote.
This is despite the ruling party and the government campaigning for a "Yes" vote.
Lastly, it is important to note that the Families Code is not just about same-sex marriage. It broadens the definition of a "family" and gives stronger protections for individuals of all ages from neglect and domestic abuse.
Same-sex couples have openly existed in Cuba and even raised children; they didn't have to hide to do so.
Before now, however, someone wouldn't have next of kin rights with their same-sex partner or parental rights to a child they lived with.
Before now, however, someone wouldn't have next of kin rights with their same-sex partner or parental rights to a child they lived with.
The reform of the law sought to officially recognise diverse family types so that every family unit and every individual within a family unit could have protection and benefits.
Here's an article you can read: en.granma.cu
The sections are:
- Parental Responsibility Replacing Parental Authority
- Aging
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Persons with Disabilities
- Caregivers and Care
The sections are:
- Parental Responsibility Replacing Parental Authority
- Aging
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Persons with Disabilities
- Caregivers and Care
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