Bolivia Approves First Same-sex Civil Union

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – David Aruquipa and Guido Montaño were granted the first same sex civil union in Bolivia Friday, December 11th.

The couple were initially denied the right to register their union in 2018 by Bolivian authorities, who said the country’s law did not allow same sex marriage.

The two men, who have been together for 11 years, took their case to the court and argued successfully that the prohibition violated international human rights standards and constituted discrimination under Bolivian law.

Aruquipa said the ruling is the first step to take the country forward in changing legislation. He added that the ruling is following other countries in Latin America.

Despite considerable opposition from religious groups, gay marriage has become increasingly accepted in the region. Same sex couples now allowed to marry in Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and parts of Mexico.