How did Argentina become the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage?

In July 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage. The legislation was achieved through the Argentine legislature, where it was narrowly approved by the Senate after having already passed in the lower house of Congress.12

The process was marked by significant social tension, as the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical Protestant churches organized mass demonstrations in opposition to the measure. Despite this vigorous resistance, the administration of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner supported the bill, and she signed it into law.12

This landmark legislation granted same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt children. By establishing full marriage equality, Argentina set a precedent in the region, moving beyond the civil union frameworks that had previously been adopted in various jurisdictions.13