Argentina is the first country in Latin American to nationally legalise same-sex marriage. The international significance of this has been stressed by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

Reverend Rowland Jide Macauley, ILGA-Africa Representative, stated "Argentina was one of the many countries who signed the Decriminalisation of Homosexuality Statement presented to the UN Nations Assembly in New York in December 2008. I was there, I witnessed the problems many nations faced and the media frenzy at the time. Sadly Gabon, a small African country, leading the promotion of the statement, was forced to back down after the intervention of the Organisation of Islamic Conference. Argentina at the last minute stepped in to rescue the day. I am so pleased to hear of today's achievement, what great news this is for same-sex unions. We salute Argentina and God Bless Gay and Lesbian people all over the world."

Simon Margan, ILGA-ANZAPI Representative (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands), stated, "A number of other countries in Latin America should follow suit within the next couple of years. ILGA will also be trying to pressure other countries such as Australia to follow the lead of these countries, and indeed the general trend around the world, to extend the right of marriage to LGBTI people. Australia must repeal its most prominent anti-gay law, the same-sex marriage ban. It sets a terrible example to the less progressive countries of the world, where human rights are not so highly regarded. These countries use Australia's anti-same-sex marriage initiative as an excuse to treat their LGBTI people even worse."

Press Contacts

Simon Margan SMargan@bigpond.net.au [ILGA ANZAPI (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands) Representative]

Renato Sabbadini renato@ilga.org [ILGA Secretary General]

Gloria Careaga careaga@servidor.unam.mx [ILGA Secretary General]