Ecuador considers enshrining women's right to sexual pleasure

QUITO, Ecuador - A new inalienable right could be enshrined soon in Ecuador's constitution: the pursuit of sexual happiness for women.

The proposal by a member of the ruling party has created a stir in this socially conservative Andean nation, where a constitutional assembly is at work.

Assembly member Maria Soledad Vela, who belongs to President Rafael Correa's party and sits on a committee defining fundamental constitutional rights, said women have traditionally been seen as sexual objects or in a solely reproductive role in Ecuador.

On Monday, Vela said the right to sexual enjoyment means ensuring women can make free, responsible and informed decisions about their sex lives.

Fellow committee members proposed separate provisions for women's sexual and reproductive rights, an alternative Vela approved.

Opposition Assembly member Leonardo Viteri accused Vela of trying to decree orgasm by law, saying it "isn't possible."

"I never asked for the right to orgasm, only the right to enjoyment," Vela responded.

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