RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday defended civil unions for same-sex couples in the country, saying the "hypocrisy" on the matter must end.

    "We must stop this hypocrisy because we know they exist. There are men living with men, women living with women, and many times they live extraordinarily well," Lula said in an interview with a local TV station.

    "They build a life together, they work together and that it was I am favorable," he said.

    He criticized those who are against same-sex unions.

    "One thing that amazes me is why politicians who are against (homosexual unions) do not refuse their votes, why Brazil does not refuse their income tax," said the president.

    "The important thing is for them to be Brazilian citizens, for them to be committed to the nation. The rest is their problem. I support the civil union," he added.

    However, Lula stopped short of endorsing any federal government measures regarding same-sex unions, saying Congress and local Houses of Representatives were acting on the matter.

    In 2005, Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state granted homosexual couples the right of registering their unions in any notary public office. Couples who register can jointly own property, establish custody of children, and claim the right to pensions and property when one partner dies.

    In other Brazilian states, homosexual couples may try to register their unions, but the notary public office is allowed to refuse the request.