Event Summary
After more than a decade of debate and civil society mobilisation, Chile’s Congress approved a long-awaited reform to its adoption law. The new legislation eliminates discrimination based on sexual orientation and marital status, shortens judicial procedures, and aligns national law with international child rights standards. This reform responds to growing social demands and criticism over the rigidity and inefficiency of the current law. More than 30 civil society organisations, international agencies, and academic institutions actively worked to push the reform forward. Among those participating in the parliamentary debate were groups defending children’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, minors in vulnerable situations, migrants, and religious representatives. While the bill has been approved by Congress, it is still awaiting official promulgation, expected in the coming weeks. Beyond the legal changes, the reform also reflects a major civil society effort acknowledged by legislators through participation and inclusion in legislative assemblies.