In Argentina, a new civil code is being put on the congressional table for discussion. The current code was established in 1871 and the changes made to it since have been partial and patchy. To keep with the times, the government has decided to re-address certain aspects of the code in order to update it and give it a “South American vision”. Some of the changes being debated circle around marriage, divorce, adoption, and assisted fertilisation.
These are big adjustments that will affect Argentines for many years to come, so we hit the streets to see what the people think over the proposed reforms and what it will mean for the country.
Portraits by Diego Cupolo.
Nacho Viturro, 37, seller and musician, Pinamar
I think it’s good - surely we need to adapt to new ways. These are rules that have been around for 500 years (sic), rules that are strict and that are being preached by some who abuse their power. Most of it comes from our history as a Catholic nation and those things may not apply anymore. The reform will be good for Argentina to grow, to move away from that. The reform addresses that every life is different and that certain institutions have no right to impose how we should live.
Maria Ofelia, 57, knitter and artisan, Constitución
The change is important to integrate everyone with different lives, different ways of living, and to have the option to choose how to live. Adoption and marriage (especially for homosexuals) are issues that need to be looked at, evaluated and integrated into our civil code. With divorce, each person has the right to say whether or not to stay with someone, it’s the right to choose. You have the right to choose. When it comes to the age of a family who is looking to adopt, being younger does not mean that you are immature. It should depend on the people, on the couple -not the age.
Trinidad González, 60, coffee seller, San Telmo
I do not totally agree with everything that the reform will address or the law in general. I am not for certain marriage unions, but that’s just me. When it comes to being a couple, when it comes to marriage or separating, it’s up to each person in the relationship, how they wish it to be. For me, an important thing is to help those that want to have children with the aid of medicine, to have children. Here, it is expensive, so I think that some help would be good. I have people close to me who are single and want to have children. It’s just not an option for them.
Marcia Lanzrutti, 52, newspaper seller, Lanús
I think the whole thing is great but the one thing I do not agree with is that there is no punishment for those who practice infidelity. I do not understand that, there should be consequences for that. When I am with someone, I am with someone. Everything else that I have read about the reforms, because it is a long list with a lot of big changes to look into, looks good. Choices are important. If you are with someone who treats you badly, you should be able to leave.
Esteban Molina, 37, painter, San Telmo
I am not totally informed about the reforms. I would need to be more informed about the changes to have a proper opinion. I think that changes do need to be made. For a long time, we have been using an outdated code and a more modern way of doing things is important for the evolution of ideas. I think a less conservative way of doing things is good. For example, when someone lives with someone but is not married, they should still have rights as a couple. This thought has been around for a long time, for centuries. We already know these things and it is not an uncommon thought. We would like something a little less structured. It’s a process and debating the new code is a good thing.
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