Rare Cuban “No” Vote Cast Because of LGBT Rights

By John Mack Freeman

It’s a rare occasion when a no vote is cast in the Cuban legislature. In fact, some Cuban experts say that a no vote hasn’t been cast in the legislature since the Revolution. But when a workers’ rights bill came before the legislature, Mariela Castro voted against the legislation due to its lack of protections based on gender identity. The bill did include protections based on sexual orientation. Mariela Castro is a noted sexologist and LGBT rights activist, though she is probably better known for being Cuban President Raul Castro’s daughter.

The vote was cast in December 2013, but only recently came to light. Castro explained her views to LGBTI News:

“I could not vote in favour without the certainty that the labour rights of people with different gender identity would be explicitly recognised. There have been advances in the way things are discussed, above all the way things are discussed at the grassroots level, in workplaces, unions and party groupings… I think we still need to perfect the democratic participation of the representatives within the Assembly.”

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