First for Latin America affects health, social security and even inheritance
The Associated Press Updated: 3:42 p.m. CT June 15, 2007
BOGOTA, Colombia - Colombia is set to become the first Latin American country to give established gay couples full rights to health insurance, inheritance and social security under a bill passed by its Congress.
The plan approved Thursday is expected to take effect soon. It is backed by President Alvaro Uribe.
The measure would allow gay couples in long-term relationships to have the same health insurance and social security benefits as heterosexual couples. It also guarantees that assets accumulated during the relationship will be divided between the two, and in the case of death, inherited by the survivor.
... ...
While homosexuality is still taboo in much of Latin America, there has been increasing acceptance in many areas. Mexico City and the state of Coahuila recently joined the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires and the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in legalizing same-sex civil unions.
(A little more at the link.)
Not quite acceptance of single-sex marriage, but a hopeful sign.