Argentina gives gay couples right to marry

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Source: London Evening Standard


Crowds gather outside Congress on eve of the vote

Argentina today became the first Latin American country to legalise gay marriage.
Supporters of same-sex unions, led by President Cristina Fernandez, got over opposition from the Roman Catholic church and evangelical groups which led a 60,000-strong protest outside the country's parliament in Buenos Aires on the eve of the vote.

Senators debated the bill in a 14-hour session that went on late into the night, with the law being passed by six votes.

Supporters and critics of gay marriage spoke passionately about their views.

“Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species,” said Senator Juan Perez Alsina, who is usually a loyal supporter of the president.

Norma Morandini, another member of the president's party, compared the discrimination closeted gays face to the oppression imposed by Argentina's dictators decades ago. “What defines us is our humanity, and what runs against humanity is intolerance.”

Same-sex civil unions have been legalised in Uruguay and some states in Mexico and Brazil, but Argentina would be the first country in Latin America to give gay partners the same rights as heterosexuals.

The proposed law broadly declares that “marriage provides for the same requisites and effects independent of whether the contracting parties are of the same or different sex”.

“Nearly every political and social figure has spoken out in favour of marriage equality for everyone,” said Maria Rachid, president of the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals. “And we hope that the senate reflects this and that Argentina, from today forward, is a more just country for all families.”

Read more: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23856314-argentina-gives-gay-partners-right-to-marry.do