Chile is one step closer to achieving equality for its gay and lesbian citizens. The South American country's legislature has passed a civil union bill that is to be signed by the president; however, the country still does not have marriage equality.

Chile's senate approved the Civil Union Act, or AUC in Spanish, on Wednesday, allowing civil unions for same-sex couples as well as unmarried heterosexual couples, according to Reuters.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who approves of the bill, has said she will sign it.

"This is a legal status that does not discriminate and that will be applied to all types of couples, and most importantly, that recognizes the different types of families we have in our country," a government spokesperson said.

One of the LGBT rights groups that pushed for the bill, the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation (Movilh), initially celebrated the news with a simple tweet that read: "what a beautiful day #CivilUnion."

The group then released a statement in which they expressed their gratitude and joy over the news.

"Today, with the approval of civil union, [we] have taken a historic step for non-discrimination and the advancement of human rights, closing another chapter in the struggle for equality and, indeed, opening new pages and challenges," the statement began.

Movilh's statement then recounted years of struggles and hard work and thanked the legislators, activists and governments that helped move the bill forward, including the administration of Former Chilean President Sebastian Piñera, who pushed forward the bill in 2011. The group also dedicated the bill's passing to the victims of homophobia and transphobia.

"It is time to celebrate, to breathe a few seconds, to regain energy, and continue on this path of better lives for everyone. We have always had all the duties; today we take another step towards the conquest of all rights. Today we are happier. Viva Chile," the statement closed.

According to the AFP, the law will give legal recognition to unmarried couples, ensuring their rights to receive pensions, enroll in health plans and inherit property from their significant other.

This is a significant step for a nation with a Catholic majority and that remains very conservative. Abortion is still illegal and it recognized divorce in 2004.

After being signed by Chilealan President Bachelet, the constitutional court has to approve of the law.

Related