Gay marriage legalised

ARGENTINA legalised same-sex marriage yesterday, becoming the first country in Latin America to declare gays and lesbians have all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.

After a marathon debate in Argentina’s senate, 33 lawmakers voted in favour, 27 against and three abstained in a vote that ended after 4am local time.

Since the lower house already approved it and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it becomes law as soon as it is published, which should happen within days.