Brazilian Gay Unions Must Be Registered As Marriages, Court Rules

[ocpagu]

BRASILIA, Brazil -- Brazilian notary publics must register same-sex civil unions as marriages if the couple requests it, the country's National Council of Justice said Tuesday.

The council that oversees the country's judiciary said in a statement that notary publics cannot refuse to marry gay couples or convert a same-sex civil union into a marriage if that's what the pair wants.

The council based its decision on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling that recognized same-sex civil unions. The court said at the time that gay couples are entitled to same legal rights as heterosexual pairs when it comes to alimony, retirement benefits of a partner who dies and inheritances, among other issues.

Those opposed to the council's ruling can file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Fourteen of Brazil's 27 states so far have legalized same-same marriages.

Read more:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/brazil-gay-marriage-ruling-_n_3274307.html?utm_hp_ref=brazil

[Judi Lynn]

1. Excellent news! This is real progress. It's definitely the right thing to do. n/t