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But what about the police "public decency" edicts that still exist?
Despite this progress, the police are still very abusive and this legalization could cause many city government politicans to lose their jobs when elections occur. The majority of people in Argentina unfornately do not support this.
Also read the bolded part... this was actually a half measure. Now the next thing to do is clean up police abuses.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/americ...eut/index.html
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Legislators in Buenos Aires on Friday granted legal status to gay and lesbian couples, allowing benefits such as pensions and hospital visits in a move hailed as a first in Latin America.
After a noisy marathon overnight debate, the legislature voted 29-10 to legalize same-sex civil unions in a city of 3 million people that has a reputation as one of the most progressive in this deeply Roman Catholic continent.
The Argentine capital joined a handful of places, including some U.S. states and several European nations, that recognize legal status for gay and lesbian couples.
"We as a couple are going to register our union. We're undergoing a treatment for artificial insemination. We're going to have a baby and we want rights," said Maria Rachid, a lesbian activist who nervously watched the debate with her partner.
From the legislature's galleries, the law's supporters draped themselves in the rainbow-colored gay pride flag and chanted "equality, equality!," taunting a group of Roman Catholic militants on opposite sides of the ornate hall.
The law will cover insurance policies and health benefits covered by Buenos Aires's local government but it will not permit same-sex couples to adopt children nor marry in this nation of 36 million people. Nor will it cover people who live outside the capital or allow access to federal programs.
Teachers, hospital workers and administrative employees working the Buenos Aires government will benefit most by being given access to a range of local state benefits. It will also impact on the day-to-day life of couples.
"Before this bill a gay person would have trouble visiting a loved one in hospital because legally they would not be a family member," said Roque Bellomo, a ruling party legislator who voted for the law.
"Now Buenos Aires has become the first city in Latin America to pass such a law and we hope it is only a first step," he added.
Similar bills have failed in Colombia, Mexico
Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of Latin America with its boulevards, cafes and vibrant cultural scene, has long seen itself as a beacon of European enlightenment in the continent.
While in much of Latin America a macho culture dominates and gays are frowned upon, in Buenos Aires there are gay activist groups, bars and parades.
In neighboring Chile, for example, even divorce -- let alone gay civil unions -- is illegal.
Similar bills to grant legal status to gay couples have so far not prospered in Colombia and Mexico.
The Roman Catholic Church, which polls show is one of the most respected institutions in the country, had opposed the law in Argentina.
"I'm against this law because it will be the first step towards homosexuals adopting children," said Adela, a young woman who attended the debate.
After a noisy marathon overnight debate, the legislature voted 29-10 to legalize same-sex civil unions in a city of 3 million people that has a reputation as one of the most progressive in this deeply Roman Catholic continent.
The Argentine capital joined a handful of places, including some U.S. states and several European nations, that recognize legal status for gay and lesbian couples.
"We as a couple are going to register our union. We're undergoing a treatment for artificial insemination. We're going to have a baby and we want rights," said Maria Rachid, a lesbian activist who nervously watched the debate with her partner.
From the legislature's galleries, the law's supporters draped themselves in the rainbow-colored gay pride flag and chanted "equality, equality!," taunting a group of Roman Catholic militants on opposite sides of the ornate hall.
The law will cover insurance policies and health benefits covered by Buenos Aires's local government but it will not permit same-sex couples to adopt children nor marry in this nation of 36 million people. Nor will it cover people who live outside the capital or allow access to federal programs.
Teachers, hospital workers and administrative employees working the Buenos Aires government will benefit most by being given access to a range of local state benefits. It will also impact on the day-to-day life of couples.
"Before this bill a gay person would have trouble visiting a loved one in hospital because legally they would not be a family member," said Roque Bellomo, a ruling party legislator who voted for the law.
"Now Buenos Aires has become the first city in Latin America to pass such a law and we hope it is only a first step," he added.
Similar bills have failed in Colombia, Mexico
Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of Latin America with its boulevards, cafes and vibrant cultural scene, has long seen itself as a beacon of European enlightenment in the continent.
While in much of Latin America a macho culture dominates and gays are frowned upon, in Buenos Aires there are gay activist groups, bars and parades.
In neighboring Chile, for example, even divorce -- let alone gay civil unions -- is illegal.
Similar bills to grant legal status to gay couples have so far not prospered in Colombia and Mexico.
The Roman Catholic Church, which polls show is one of the most respected institutions in the country, had opposed the law in Argentina.
"I'm against this law because it will be the first step towards homosexuals adopting children," said Adela, a young woman who attended the debate.
Also read the bolded part... this was actually a half measure. Now the next thing to do is clean up police abuses.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/americ...eut/index.html
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