Bolivia approves first same-Sex union following Legal Battle

Bolivia’s civil registry authorized for the first time a same-sex civil union following a 2-year legal battle, a decision activists in the Andean nation hope will pave the way for an overhaul of the country’s marriage laws.

David Aruquipa, a 48-year-old businessman, & Guido Montaño, a 45-year-old lawyer, were initially denied the right to register their union in 2018 by authorities in Bolivia, who said the country’s laws didn't allow same-sex marriage.

The couple, together for more than eleven years, took their case to Court. While the Bolivian Constitution still doesn't contemplate same-sex unions, Montaño & Aruquipa argued successfully the prohibition violated international human rights standards & constituted discrimination under Bolivian law.

“It is an initial step, but what inspires us is (the goal) of transforming the law,” said Aruquipa, a well-known local activist for LGBT causes.

Despite considerable opposition from religious groups, gay marriage has become increasingly accepted in Latin America, with same sex couples now allowed to marry in Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay & parts of Mexico. 

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