Thursday, July 22, 2010

Argentina's gay marriage law signed by president - World - Wire - Kentucky.com

Argentina's gay marriage law signed by president - World - Wire - Kentucky.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

By DEBORA REY - Associated Press Writer

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- President Cristina Fernandez signed a new law Wednesday making Argentina the first country in Latin America to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

Civil registries across the nation will now begin processing long lists of marriage applications from gay couples. The first such ceremony in Buenos Aires is set for Aug. 13.

"Today we are a society that is a little more egalitarian than last week," Fernandez said at the signing ceremony.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez speaks after signing the same sex marriage bill at the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires, Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Argentina became the first nation in Latin America to grant same-sex marriages all the rights of heterosexual unions.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez, left, gestures after signing the same sex marriage bill at the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires, Wednesday, July 21, 2010. At right, Carlos Zanini, Argentina's Presidency legal aid and atop a photo of Chile's late President Salvador Allende.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez, left, applauds after signing the same sex marriage bill at the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires, Wednesday, July 21, 2010. At right, Carlos Zanini, Argentina's Presidency legal aid.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez waves to supporters and members of the gay community after signing the same sex marriage bill at the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires, Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez waves to supporters and members of the gay community after signing the same sex marriage bill at the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires, Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
Argentina Same Sex Marriage
Eduardo Di Baia

AP Photo - Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez, second right, poses for a photo holding a present she received from members of gays movements, after signing the same sex marriage bill at the the Latin America Patriots room of the government house in Buenos Aires,



Representatives of groups for gays and lesbians cheered, crying out "Equality, equality!"

The law, which was approved by the Senate last week following earlier endorsement by the lower house, grants same-sex couples the full legal protections and responsibilities that marriage gives to heterosexual couples, including the ability to inherit property and to jointly adopt children.

Mexico's capital was the first city in the region to legalize gay marriages.

"We must all get used to living in a free country, in harmony," said designer Roberto Piazza, who attended the signing.

He said he planned to take advantage of the law and marry his partner soon.

The bill was pushed by Fernandez's left-of-center administration, worsening its already strained relations with the Roman Catholic Church.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/07/21/1358546/argentinas-gay-marriage-law-signed.html#ixzz0uTIPnL6a

1 comment:

Kirsten said...

This law shows that Argentina is an advan country in comparison with others in Southamerica where the church still has influence in politics, which should not happen in the 21st century. When I travelled to Argentina, me and my girlfriend stayed in several furnished apartments in buenos aires till one day we decided to get married on a whim. We knew it was forbidden in our country so we just took the plunge and did it. It felt great and now we have an awesome story to tell about our marriage in an exotic country!
Kirsten