Despite international strides to recognize and protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, ultra-conservative countries like Peru have lagged behind. But change may be right around the corner.
As of this week, things are looking up for the gay community in Peru after legislator Carlos Bruce collected 10,000 signatures in support of a law that would recognize civil unions.
Independent journalist Bibiana Meizi explained to HuffPost Live’s Ahmed Shihab-Eldin the effect this proposed bill would have on the country's LGBT population.
“Honestly, here in Peru, [LGBT people] do not have basically any rights. There is no recognition,” Meizi said. “What does this law mean for us? It means being finally recognized as first-class citizens.”
The bill was scheduled to be debated April 7 in front of the Commission of Justice and Human Rights, but ultimately was postponed until after Easter. While the country has a history of rejecting bills that protect gay people, supporters and allies are hopeful that the Peruvian Congress will move forward with the bill.
Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about what this law would mean for LGBT people in Peru below.
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