On December 16, 1996, the Chilean Senate Committee on Constitution, Legislation Justice, and Rules passed a resolution recommending that the full Senate not consider legislation decriminalizing sodomy. The legislation before the Committee had been approved by the lower house of the Chilean Parliament in 1995 and included the legalization of most same-sex relationships. However, the Committee's recommendation to not approve the legislation will now be considered by the full Senate.

The members of the Committee justified their recommendation by saying they did not want to send the wrong message to society. Senators aligned with the more conservative parties have publicly stated their belief that homosexuality is an "aberration against nature."

Should the Senate fail to consider the changes proposed by the Chamber of Deputies, Article 365 of the Chilean Penal Code, which makes sodomy a criminal offense with penalties ranging from 541 days to 3 years in prison, would remain in force. Chile and Ecuador are the only countries in South America with sodomy laws.

Movimiento de Liberacion Homosexual (MOVILH), a gay group in Chile, has been working since 1991 to repeal the sodomy laws. They have asked international activists to denounce the Committee's recent decision and to explain to Senators the importance of repealing article 365 of the Chilean Penal Code to ensure that sexual minorities are accorded the same rights as other citizens. Of particular importance is the freedom of consenting adults to engage in same-sex relations without the threat of persecution.

Please send letters urging the repeal of article 365 to:

Presidencia del Senado
Señor Sergio Diez

Fax: 56-32-232-654
E-mail: sdiez@congreso.cl

Presidente de Comisión, Miguel Otero Lathrop

Fax: 56-32-232-654
E-mail: mol@congreso.cl