Debate over divorce

last updated 8 January 2015

Santiago

The Roman Catholic Church is mounting a last-ditch effort to stop Chile’s Congress from legalizing divorce. Chile is the only country in the Americas without a divorce law, although thousands of couples every year find loopholes to get their marriages annulled. Congresswoman Maria Antonieta Saa said it was time to give Chileans “an honest and civilized way to end marriage.” Polls show that 70 percent of Chileans back the change. Catholic leaders have launched a media blitz condemning the new law, saying children of divorce are more likely to become drug addicts and criminals. Conservatives also want a “no-divorce” marriage option should the law pass. A final vote is expected later this fall.