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Gay News: Argentina has become the first Latin American country to legalise same-sex marriage.
By: Nigel Robinson
The vote was passed by 33 to 27
The vote was passed by 33 to 27
Gay marriage becomes legal in Argentina
The law was passed in the Senate by 33 votes to 27 with three abstentions. The sometimes angry debate lasted fourteen hours and the results were broadcast live on nationwide TV.
The law which gives gay couples the same rights as their straight counterparts, including the right to adopt, had met with fierce opposition from the Catholic Church who staged a demonstration outside Congress as the law was being debated.
However, Maria Rachid, president of the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals, told Associated Press:
"Nearly every political and social figure has spoken out in favour of marriage equality.
"We hope that the Senate reflects this and that Argentina, from today forward, is a more just country for all families.”
Argentina now joins Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa and Sweden in allowing gay marriage.
