Cuba's new draft constitution could pave way for same-sex marriage and remove reference to 'communism"By Andrea Diaz, CNNUpdated 5:38 PM ET, Thu July 26, 2018 (CNN)Lawmakers in Cuba have endorsed a draft of a new constitution for the communist island nation that could, among other things, allow for the legalization of same-sex marriage. More than 600 legislators in Cuba's National Assembly approved the draft Sunday in Havana, according to Granma, the official newspaper of Cuba's Communist Party. Here are some of the proposed changes in the new constitution:An expansion of the definition of marriageThe current constitution, written in 1976, defines marriage as "the voluntary established union between a man and a woman," but an article in the new proposed constitution was modified and doesn't specify the gender of individuals getting married. Instead it will say "a consensual union between two people."Homero Acosta, secretary of the Council of State, told lawmakers during last weekend's hearing session that the concept of marriage has been modified to represent the future of Cuba."We are not the first, nor would we be (in) the vanguard in this matter because there are around 24 countries that have this concept incorporated; we could not turn our back on this issue when preparing a new constitutional project," Acosta said during the assembly, according to Granma.Acosta also stated that the lawmakers studied international laws to have a better understanding of human rights and prevent any form of discrimination toward the Cuban people. In addition, he argued, whoever discriminates can be punished."The state has to educate our people on the principles of equality, and support for the most disadvantaged, the elderly, people with disabilities. It is a principle of social justice and humanism of our system," he said.The senior official explained that once the constitution is ratified, lawmakers will have a year to modify aspects of the Civil and Family Code that stem from this change, including inheritance, as well as rights to adoption and assisted reproduction for same-sex couples.