Argentine Judge Approves First Gay Marriage in Latin America
Last week, an Argentinean Judge granted the first same sex marriage license in Latin America to two men, Jose Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre. According to Agence France Presse, the couple sued after being denied a marriage license from the civil registry because they were both men. Judge Gabriela Seijas' ruled in favor of the couple, declaring that laws limiting marriage between a man and a woman were unconstitutional, reported the Associated Press.
"We are very happy, moved, but we also feel the heavy weight of responsibility because it's not just about us, it's encouraging legal equality in Argentina and the rest of Latin America," Di Bello told Agence France Presse.
Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri promised not to appeal the decision, reported the Buenos Aires Herald. "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," said Macri. The decision comes at a time when Argentina's Congress has proposed changing the nation's laws to allow same-sex marriage.
The couple plans to marry on World AIDS Day, December 1st.
Media Resources: Agence France Presse 11/14/09; Associated Press 11/16/09; Buenos Aires Herald 11/13/09
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