The fight to be equal - what happened Brazil?

On a more serious note, I have just read about the problem José Avila is presently facing in Brazil. It came to my attention after reading several Brazilian blogs, and I think I must share it with you. It also reminds me that we Canadians are very lucky to live, in one of the few countries in the world, where gay relationships are considered and recognized as equal as a straight one.

Summary of the problem José Avila is facing, is that after the passing of Fabio, his partner of ten years, Fabio's family decided to start a legal battle in order to take possession of all assets this couple built up during their life together.

Quoting from the blog "Made in Brazil"

Even though the couple were together for almost ten years, right after Fábio passed away, José Ávila found himself locked out of his own apartment by his partner's family. He was also accused of transferring money from the couple's joint account to his personal account, even though he had legal proof that the transfer had been done with his partner's consent prior to his death. Thanks to his team of lawyers, and to the surprisingly progressive gay right laws of his home state of Rio Grande do Sul, on March 12th José regained possession of the apartment he shared with Fábio, and was appointed the treasurer of his assets. However, Fábio's family was unhappy with this decision, and José is now facing a long trial in which he will have to prove that he and Fábio were actually a couple, and that has the rights to everything that the two of them built together over the years.

I just find unbelievable that in the year 2008 there are so many people facing similar problems, not just in Brazil, but in many other countries around the world. People have given their lives to fight for their rights, and just because I'm Canada, where I can legally married another man - only if I were to find a boyfriend - it doesn't mean I cannot do anything.

My virtual friend - Italo - and other Brazilian bloggers have started a petition, and if you are visiting Brazil in the next couple of days, please take your time and visit a FOCH store in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Curitiba, and sign it. This petition will be used during the trial, and hopefully it will help to bring to an end this unfair fight against José Avila.

In a couple of days São Paulo will host the largest gay pride celebration in the world, and I just hope Brazilians use this celebration to fight for their rights. What happened Brazil?

.:: CARIOCA VIRTUAL ::.: UMA LUTA DE TODOS NÓS!