Same-sex civil unions in Ecuador

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Same-sex civil unions in Ecuador

In Ecuador, de facto unions (civil unions) have been recognized since the 2008 Constitution. After discussions with LGBTQ groups, same-sex civil unions were formalized on September 15, 2014. In August 2014, the president announced that these unions could be registered as a marital status for same-sex couples. The change met protests from religious and conservative groups.

An important early step happened in 2004. Activist Elizabeth Vásquez used a method called “alternative litigation” to create a contract for a same-sex couple, Bermeo and Carrillo. The contract included shared property, exchange of rings, witnesses, and the terms “bride and groom.” A notary initially opposed it, but Vásquez showed that it was just a commercial contract, not a marriage, so it could be notarized.