HispanicBusiness

An estimated 500 Cubans, some dressed in colourful costumes, marched through the streets of Havana Saturday on behalf of the rights of lesbians and gays and against homophobia.

With drums and trumpets sounding the beat, they walked with posters through the city centre, protesting against discrimination of homosexuals. The director of the National Center for Sex Education, Mariela Castro, urged an open dialogue within Cuban society and a campaign against prejudice.

As the demonstration got under way, Castro, the daughter of President Raul Castro, said that family law must be changed and same-sex pairs must be recognized.

She expressed confidence that the Cuban parliament would soon tackle appropriate reforms. She herself is a member of the assembly.