Gay couple unites in Argentina, first for Latin America

Two Argentine men became the first gay couple to legally join in a civil union in Latin America when they exchanged rings and kisses in Buenos Aires in mid-July.

In a big step forward for homosexual rights, gay couples who have lived together for at least two years will now have health insurance and family leave rights just like heterosexual couples, but will not be allowed to adopt or inherit.

Carlos Cigliutti, 45, and Marcelo Suntheim, 34, proudly displayed License Number One outside the registry office after the ceremony, just five days after gay civil union became law in the Argentine capital. "For the first time, I can feel that I am living in a society that is a little more just," Cigliutti said.

Cigliutti, a professor, and Suntheim, a student, are both leaders of the Homosexual Community of Argentina (CHA), which fought for passage of the law by the Buenos Aires city council in December.

It is the first time a Latin American city, where the Catholic church is hugely influential and machismo is commonplace, grants gay couples much the same rights as straight ones.

Gay men and lesbian couples will also get hospital visitation and bank credit rights.

The two arrived at the registry building on Montevideo Street in a van outfitted with a microphone and flying the rainbow flag, the colors of the gay rights movement.

The Argentine song "I am who I am, my life is free" blasted as Cigliutti and Suntheim, clad in gray suits and ties, stepped smiling into a crowd of onlookers and media.

Inside the hall packed with friends and family, Justice of the Peace Liliana Gurevich asked three witnesses about the length of the couple's relationship.

Then came an exchange of rings, vows, and kisses.

"I, Carlos Cigliutti, love Marcelo Suntheim and am happy with him," Cigliutti said as everyone applauded and cameras popped.

A raucous street party erupted as the two left the building with confetti and firecrackers, and friends pouring cider for toasts.

Argentine Catholic and other Christian groups meanwhile condemned the union and the law that enabled it to happen.

"There is no reason to protect homosexual unions," said the Network of Catholic non-governmental organizations. The new law "opens the way to authorizing adoptions by people of the same sex," it said.

"The New Testament qualifies homosexuality as one of the most horrible perversions," said the Christian Allied Federation of Evangelical Churches. "Christians must loathe sin but love the sinner." More liberal attitudes prevail in much of Buenos Aires, however.

The fine restaurants, fashion, and nightlife of the city, not to mention the favorable exchange rate, have fueled gay tourism here. Among the amenitities are gay-only bed-and-breakfasts and hostels and even tango classes.

More and more hotels are advertising as "gay-friendly," meaning employees will not look askance at a same-sex couple sharing a room and can offer information about gay attractions.