Photo: cubaperiodistas.cu

By Roberto Morejón 

The final draft of the Family Code, soon to be submitted to Parliament, should remain in the interest of all Cubans, who will later have the opportunity to express their criteria in a scheduled consultation.

Although it is still at an intermediate stage, the document now in its 23rd version reveals a range of new options in favor of the rights of families, as diverse as the racial condition of this Caribbean nation.

One of the distinctive elements of the draft is the protection of young people.

In addition to eliminating the exceptional permission for the marriage of adolescents, young people are taxed with the legal obligation to feed them, even if they reach the age of majority if at that time they are still studying and CANNOT be employed.

The 23rd version of the preliminary draft of the Family Code being processed in Cuba also emphasizes the safeguarding of boys and girls.

For them, their right to be heard and to reside in an environment of well-being without violence or discrimination is better defined.

The same detailed approach is provided in the cardinal text for the elderly and the disabled, for whom their care by their relatives was included as a legal duty.

Regarding an issue of great controversy in Cuba, the preliminary draft of the Family Code prescribes the right of people to the full development of their sexual and reproductive prerogatives, regardless of age, sex, gender and sexual orientation.

While for other societies the legal definition of full equality between women and men is still a chimera, in Cuba this statement is outlined and even establishes the equitable distribution of time spent on domestic chores.

By its approach to the different modalities and members of families, the text shows its benefit for each individual and generally strengthens the respect for human rights.

Consistent with the Constitution approved by 86 percent of Cubans, the preliminary draft of the Code of Families is considered to be adequately comprehensive, modern and objectively linked to the social scenario of the country, while complying with the international treaties signed.

And if it does everything possible to banish any discrimination, then the document should be seen as a guarantee of the consummation of citizens' freedoms.