Argentina on Thursday became the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, following a landmark Senate vote which stirred controversy in the majority Roman Catholic nation.
The law was backed by the center-left government of President Cristina Kirchner and adopted in a 33-27 vote, with three abstentions, after 15 hours of debate.
"It's a positive step which defends the right of the minority in Argentina," Kirchner said to Argentine media on Thursday during a visit to China.
The issue raised heated debate in this nation of 40 million, 90 percent of whom describe themselves as Roman Catholic.
Hundreds of people cheered outside the Senate as the bill passed, with some chanting "equality, equality," and other tearful couples embracing each other.
As priests and their supporters held images of the Virgin Mary and prayed in the street, some gay and leftist campaigners shouted: "Church, you garbage. You're a dictatorship."
Police had to separate opposing groups who hurled eggs and oranges at each other outside the Senate the previous day.
"Argentina has taken a step forward, but out in the street ... it will take time for hatred and resentment to heal," said former president Adolfo Rodriguez Saa.
The Catholic Church had called unsuccessfully for a national referendum on the issue, which had drawn support from opposing political parties.
"Talking about God's war, for example, showed a radicalization which was in no way positive," Kirchner said in criticism of some church leaders on Thursday.
Ruling party leader Miguel Pichetto called it a "historic day," while opposition senator Gerardo Morales said Argentine society had changed, and stressed that the bill was aimed at guaranteeing the rights of minorities.
The law alters the legal code to no longer refer to a husband and wife, but rather refer to "the marrying parties."
Same-sex couples will now have the same rights as heterosexuals regarding adoptions, social security and family issues.
Argentina was the first country in Latin America to give a green light to same-sex marriage nationwide.
It followed the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal and Iceland around the world.
In Latin America, same-sex marriage is allowed only in Mexico City and not the rest of the country.
Civil unions for same-sex couples -- seen as legally significant if a step short of same-sex marriage -- are allowed in Uruguay, Colombia and Buenos Aires, as well as the northern Mexico state of Coahuila, and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Alex Freyre and Jose Maria Di Bello were the first same-sex couple to wed in Argentina December 28 in Tierra del Fuego, in southern Argentina, but a legal fight ensued with some judges saying it was not allowed under national law.
They said they would take their fight to the Supreme Court if necessary, but Argentine lawmakers decided to act before the high court was approached on the issue.
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
