Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages

Coxhere wrote:

Would I be an "ex-pat?"  Or would my status be seen as the same as marriage between two who are opposite-sex?

That’s not how you will be viewed. Governments view the status of people in terms of the law. In Ecuador, you are either a tourist, temporary resident, permanent resident or citizen. Persons who are married to Ecuadorians have the option to become residents and possibly citizens. In your case and as far as I understand it, same-sex marriages are recognized as a civil union. 

Civil unions do not enjoy all the rights that marriage does (for example - adoption). The difference between marriage and a civil union are available on this wikipedia page.  Hopefully someone can share personal experience.

As for the term expat, well that’s mainly a term foreigners living in a foreign country give themselves. In some countries like Hong Kong, and Singapore the term is quite appealing because it’s associated with a perceived higher social status. For instance, I knew one Singaporean woman who was adamant on being an “expat wife.”

Our adopted children wouldn't be adopted in Ecuador?  Would they be taken away from us if we came and brought them with us?  We won't come if this is the case.  Sad.

Coxhere wrote:

Our adopted children wouldn't be adopted in Ecuador?  Would they be taken away from us if we came and brought them with us?  We won't come if this is the case.  Sad.

I don't know if this is the case in Ecuador, but there are places where you could be arrested for living with minors who are not considered by law to be related to you.  Good luck.

Coxhere wrote:

Our adopted children wouldn't be adopted in Ecuador?  Would they be taken away from us if we came and brought them with us?  We won't come if this is the case.  Sad.

Rarely do I use these words but consult with a local attorney. Your situation is complicated especially with children. Discuss your Ecuadorian husband, adopted children, residency, schooling, etc.

If you mean your dogs, yes you can bring them with you and the husband. haha! 😆
There’s a case pending at a court in Cuenca of two women that want to get married. We’ll see the outcome of this soon enough. If it goes through we should have equal marriage instead of civil unions. As for adopting kids that’s another issue. Ask your marido to talk to someone at the embassy about it.
You haven’t mentioned children in your previous posts. Were they full term? 😜

Ex-pats can file law suits in Ecuadorian courts?  Or are the two women Ecuadorian citizens?

Our biological children, by the way, were full term to my then-wife.

This has nothing to do with expats, they’re not the center of the universe.
It has everything to do with Ecuadorean women who want to get married to each other in Cuenca.
The case is pending in the province of Azuay which is where Cuenca is located.
If it passes it will set a precedent for the rest of the country. Most likely the decision will be made based on the Ecuadorean constitution which is very inclusive. You better move to Ecuador before you’re too old to get there. haha! Also, please spare us information about your marido, we already know you have one. (wink, wink)

I assume the children are full grown based on your age. So you decided that you no longer wanted to continue a heterosexual life? I see! haha 🙃

I’m not sure about noncitizens sueing the government. I suppose they can and marriage equality would be a legitimate reason to do so.
I only know the case of two Americans living in Ecuador that sued each other as they often do in the states. The Ecuadorean judge told them outright, if you want to do that go back to the U.S. as our courts don’t have time for trivialities. Hope that gives you a clue.

It angers me that this is supposed to be a website that focuses on expats and then for me to be accused of thinking that expats are the entire universe.  I didn't and don't think that expats are anything beyond the focus of this expat website.  If anything, bringing into this thread a comment about two Ecuadorians and not clarifying that neither is an expat is a problem.

Calm yourself my dear man,
Don’t get your panties in a tight wad and learn to take a joke.
This Ecuadorean takes things pretty much on the surface and doesn’t allow American BS to bother him. If you have an arrogant posture like some do, don’t be surprised to get some backlash from it. I’m referring to some of your previous comments that are self centered and condescending.
Espero que tengas un excelente día.
Saludos!

To be clear, the two women seeking same sex marriage are ecuadorians by birth. So the expat thing has no bearing on it.
Quizás esta vez hayas entendido bien.
Ciao

norviato1 wrote:

To be clear, the two women seeking same sex marriage are ecuadorians by birth. So the expat thing has no bearing on it.

So kind of you to share your legal expertise.

It’s what I’ve read. Not an expert nor kind haha!