Argentina

On July 15, 2010 Argentina became the first country in Latin America to uphold the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. The legislation was approved by a 33 to 27 vote, with 3 abstentions by the Argentine National Congress. It gives same-sex couples the same rights and protections as different-sex couples, including the ability to adopt. The law was backed by the government of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who signed the measure into law on July 21, 2010.