Argentina legalises gay marriages

[Auxin]

Argentina legalises gay marriages

Argentina has become the first Latin American nation to legalise same-sex marriages following a marathon Senate vote.

The law, backed by the center-left government of Cristina Kirchner, the president, was adopted in a 33-27 vote after 15 hours of debate ending early Thursday morning.

Hundreds of people outside Congress cheered as the bill was passed, while Miguel Pichetto, leader of the ruling party, said it was "a historic day".

But a group of protesters, including priests showing images of the Virgin Mary, prayed outside the building as the legislation was debate.

The Roman Catholic Church had led mass demonstrations against the bill, with its officials describing it as "the devil's project".

'Step forward'

On Wednesday police had to separate opposing groups protesting outside the Senate who hurled eggs and oranges at each other.

Adolfo Rodriguez Saa, former president, said: "Argentina has taken a step forward, but out in the street ... it will take time for hatred and resentment to heal."

The law is sure to bring a wave of marriages by gays and lesbians who have increasingly found Buenos Aires to be more accepting than many other places

in the region.

Nine gay couples had already married in Argentina after persuading judges that the constitutional mandate of equality supports their marriage rights,

but some of these marriages were later declared invalid.

Same-sex civil unions have been legalised in Uruguay, Buenos Aires and some states in Mexico and Brazil, while Mexico City has legalised gay marriage.

Colombia's Constitutional Court granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and allowed them to add their partners to health insurance plans.

But Argentina now becomes the first country in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage nationwide, granting gays and lesbians all the same rights

and responsibilities that heterosexuals have.

These include many more rights than civil unions, including adopting children and inheriting wealth.

Gay rights advocates said Argentina's historic step adds momentum to similar efforts around the world.

[1]

Quite impressive that this was done in a country thats 90% catholic, puts my country to shame.

[Sevoran]

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Edited February 19, 2018 by Sevoran

[dworx]

If the world wants peace, they neef to be more accepting. Live and let live