Post Date: 16th Jul, 2010 - 12:12am / Post ID:
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Argentina Gays
Argentina has made history by becoming the first nation in Latin America that legalized Gay Marriage. 70% of the population was in support of the bill that was passed today.
QUOTE Argentina legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, becoming the first country in Latin America to give gays and lesbians all the legal rights that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.
After a marathon debate that lasted more than 16 hours, the vote was 33 in favor, 27 against and 3 abstentions in Argentina's Senate. Since the lower house already approved the bill and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it now becomes the law of the land.
The bill passed despite a concerted campaign by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups, which drew 60,000 people to a march on Congress earlier this week. But opinion polls in Argentina show support for legalizing same-sex marriage at 70 percent.
Argentina, from today forward, is a more just country for all families.
- Maria Rachid, president of the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals
As debate dragged into the wee hours, supporters and opponents held rival vigils throughout the frigid night outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires.
"Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species," insisted Sen. Juan Perez Alsina, usually a loyal supporter of the president, who gave a passionate speech against gay marriage....