Uruguay Adopts Same-Sex Marriage Law

The second country in Latin America after Argentina

HAVANA TIMES — Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies passed a new law on Wednesday night authorizing same-sex marriages.

The initiative was considered a priority by the ruling Frente Amplio Party and was supported by 71 votes out of the 92 deputies present. The bill is now awaiting enactment by the nation’s executive office.

Final approval of the law was celebrated by social organizations and protesters who first assembled around the stairs of Congress in Montevideo and later continued their celebrations in the streets.

Under the rule, marriage will mean the union of two parties, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The law will take effect throughout Uruguay 90 days after its enactment. In that period, the executive office will enact the measures needed to put the law into effect.

This makes Uruguay became the second country in Latin America to allow gay marriages. Argentina was the first, in 2010. (Pulsar)