阿根廷同性恋婚姻合法化

Argentina has become the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage and allow gay couples to adopt children. Activists gathered outside Argentina's presidential building ahead of a signing ceremony on Wednesday where some described what the legislation would mean for them.

"For many years, we were second-class citizens, not having the same rights. When someone doesn't have the same rights as others, one feels in a different category of citizens. So today, we are free of a heavy weight."

Argentina's president, Christina Fernandez forced back tears as she signed off on the law, passed by the Senate a week ago after more than 14 hours of heated debate.

"These things I have to do with aspirations toward equality that every society must have. And our things that can not divide us. They are things that to the contrary, must unite us. Today, we are a little more egalitarian than we were last week." 

The legislation was passed despite of objections from the Catholic church.

Kirsty Basset, Reuters.