Raul Castro's Daughter: Cuba Eyes Same-Sex Unions

Cuba's first daughter says island lawmakers will consider legalizing same-sex civil unions this year.

Mariela Castro is the daughter of President Raul Castro and a prominent gay rights activist. She says a preliminary proposal to modify the country's Family Code is undergoing legal study and is on the legislative schedule for 2012.

Many gays and transsexuals suffered persecution during the early years after the 1959 revolution, but attitudes have become more tolerant.

Once-banned gay pride parades are now annual events, while the government has led anti-homophobia campaigns and even begun paying for sex change operations.

Mariela Castro's comments came in an interview published Monday by state-run website Cubadebate.