Quito, June 29 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa met over the weekend with LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) collectives in Ecuador and hailed their struggle against discrimination in the country.

"It is my third meeting with LGBTI collectives. These are people I admire so much for facing discrimination. I learn a lot from these colleagues who are fighting and showing commitment to equality,” he said.

Since Correa came to power, Ecuador has advanced in its policies of LGBTI people. Training on non-discrimination practices for police and security sectors are regularly conducted. Also, there are 341 educational institutions nationwide with student counseling on LGBTI-related issues. The government is also forming a committee to investigate 43 criminal cases related to violent deaths of LGBTI people in the country.

In the workplace, the government has an Integrated Management Inspection System (SGI) for issues of discrimination, sexual orientation and gender identity. There is a specialized team for investigating crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity as part of the Dinased, the National Bureau of Crimes Against Life, violent deaths, disappearances, extortion and kidnapping. The civil status of same-sex couples in Ecuador appears on government-issued ID cards since September 2014. Previously, only the civil status of heterosexual couples was recognized in Ecuador.