BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina has legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, becoming the first country in Latin America to give gays and lesbians all the legal rights that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.
The vote came down to 33 in favor, 27 against and 3 abstentions in Argentina’s Senate early Thursday morning. Since the lower house already approved it, and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it now becomes law.
The vote came after a marathon debate and marches by supporters and opponents that drew thousands of people. It also comes despite a strong campaign against it by the Roman Catholic Church.
