Panama City will hosts a critical hemispheric dialogue, started yesterday, Tuesday regarding equal marriage rights. The forum runs parallel to the 56th Organization of American States General Assembly. Same-sex couples are currently waiting to marry in Panama as international pressure mounts.
Attorney Ivan Chanis Barahona, president of the Iguales Foundation, confirmed the event details. The forum titled “Strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System” will run from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel. [Translated from Spanish]
Chanis stated that Panamanian society has evolved significantly over the past decade. Support for same-sex couples and LGBTIQ+ rights has grown systematically during this period. The General Assembly provides a platform for these discussions.
Political Rejection of Hate Speech
The human rights defender highlighted a notable political trend from recent elections. Candidates who built their campaigns on anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric failed completely at the ballot box.
“All those who based their candidacies on hate speech, on speaking violently against LGBT people and against civil marriage, none were elected. From presidential candidates to representative candidates, none succeeded.” [Translated from Spanish]
Chanis argued this demonstrates fundamental social change in Panama. The country has become more inclusive while maintaining tolerance as a core value. Economic development remains incomplete without inclusive growth, he added.
Inter-American Human Rights Standards
The forum will examine how regional jurisprudence impacts national legislation. The Inter-American human rights system has urged states to guarantee equal rights for same-sex couples. These standards remain unfulfilled across many Latin American nations.
Chanis emphasized the concrete harm caused by Panama’s failure to recognize equal marriage. Families face denial of basic rights including joint mortgage applications. Medical emergencies become complicated when partners cannot accompany loved ones. Parents raising children live in constant fear of losing custody.
Some argue legal contracts can secure these rights without marriage. Chanis strongly disagrees with this position.
“Marriage remains the institution, not only in Panama but throughout the world, that recognizes the union of two people who want to form a family and build a life together.” [Translated from Spanish]
The foundation runs a campaign called “Yes, I Accept” sharing real family stories. One example involves Ken and Alvaro, a couple married for over 40 years in the United States. One spouse is Panamanian while the other faces immigration barriers that heterosexual couples would not encounter.
Religious Marriage Versus Civil Marriage
Chanis drew a clear distinction between religious and civil marriage ceremonies. The debate does not involve church rituals or religious doctrine whatsoever. State regulation of civil rights remains the sole focus.
The expansion of civil marriage does not interfere with religious freedoms. Democratic systems operate on non-discrimination principles. Neighboring countries have already approved equal marriage while others maintain legal restrictions. Progress across the region shows changing social attitudes.
Equal marriage in Latin America continues to advance unevenly across national borders. Some nations have fully recognized these unions while others resist change.
Pride March Rescheduled for National Team Support
The Iguales Foundation confirmed the LGBTIQ+ pride march will proceed this Saturday in Casco Antiguo. Organizers moved the start time earlier than originally planned.
The march begins at 2:00 p.m. from Cinta Costera 3 and travels through the historic district. Participants will brave Panama’s intense afternoon heat intentionally.
“We will go out at 2:00 p.m. in the full sun and heat of Panama, precisely to finish in time to support the national team at 4:00 p.m. We will arrive at a point to watch the game. We are going to La Azotea where screens will be set up. Delegations have been asked to bring red scarves or red signs in support of the red tide, in support of our national team.” [Translated from Spanish]
Cultural, social and academic organizations will participate in the event. Chanis called for dignity, freedom and order throughout the march. He invited all who believe in human rights and democracy to join the demonstration.