WILLEMSTAD - According to a survey conducted by four local gay and human rights organizations, there is more enthusiasm among political parties in Curaçao for the introduction of same-sex marriage. Five parties participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections on 19 March are in favor of the introduction of same-sex marriage. Four years ago, there was no enthusiasm in any political party to approve civil marriage to same-sex couples. In the March 19 elections, according to the survey, five parties are in favor of same-sex marriage. Four parties indicate that they are willing to look for an alternative to same-sex marriage in the form of a registered partnership. A total of six parties do not want to open marriage to people of the same sex or introduce a partner registration. These include MFK, Kòrsou di Nos Tur, Pueblo Soberano and Movementu Progresivo.
In Aruba last Monday it was decided in parliament that an amendment to the Civil Code of Aruba will be introduced, which will include registered partnership for people of the same sex.
Since 2010, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have been special municipalities of the Netherlands. Same-sex marriage has been introduced on those islands. In the autonomous countries of Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten, political parties have long opposed the introduction of same-sex marriage and even registered partnership. This is partly due to the influence of Christian parties who do not want to open marriage to people of the same sex.