Life

Argentine judge allows gay marriage, a first for Latin America

Argentine judge allows gay marriage, a first for Latin America

ArgentinaUpdate: 11/30/09 – Judge puts Latin America’s first gay wedding on hold.

An Argentine judge has granted a gay couple permission to get married, setting a precedent that could pave the way for the Catholic country to become the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage, reports Reuters.

Friday’s ruling by Buenos Aires Judge Gabriela Seijas ordered the city’s civil registry to officially confirm the marriage of Alejandro Freyre and Jose Maria Di Bello.

Civil unions between same-gender couples in Buenos Aires have been legal since 2002, but the new ruling could have a significant impact on same-gender marriage laws in Argentina, or it could be overturned by civil authorities in the region.

However, Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri, a conservative, said the government would make no such move.

Through a statement published on the Internet, Macri said “this is an important step, because we must learn how to live in freedom without hurting the rights of others…. We must cohabit, and accept this reality. The world is heading toward that direction”

Elsewhere in Latin America, same sex civil unions are allowed in Uruguay and Mexico City.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Gay catholic group urges DC to reject church’s demands

Previous article

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal may be attached to 2011 defense budget

Next article