President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner signed Argentina's marriage equality bill into law yesterday at a ceremony at government house.
Said Fernández de Kirchner: "Life is continually changing us…these issues have to do with the condition of human beings, with aspiring for equality; they're things that cannot divide us, but should rather unite us."
"Civil registries across the nation will now begin processing long lists of marriage applications from gay couples. The first such ceremony in Buenos Aires is set for Aug. 13.'Today we are a society that is a little more egalitarian than last week,' Fernandez said at the signing ceremony.Representatives of groups for gays and lesbians cheered, crying out 'Equality, equality!'The law, which was approved by the Senate last week following earlier endorsement by the lower house, grants same-sex couples the full legal protections and responsibilities that marriage gives to heterosexual couples, including the ability to inherit property and to jointly adopt children."
Watch videos of the ceremony (in Spanish) in which the President receives thanks and a plaque from members of the gay community, AFTER THE JUMP…
