Chile’s first gay marriages take place after law change

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Pexels

In some news that will warm your hearts, the first same-sex marriages have been taking place in Chile after a change in the law came into effect yesterday (10 March)

The long fight by LGBTQ campaigners in the majority Catholic country finally bore fruit when gay marriage was legalised in a “historic day” last December.

Javier Silva and Jaime Nazar, a gay couple, became the first to be married under the new law, which also includes adoption rights for married same-sex couples.

“This act will be felt across Chile”

In an interview with The Washington Blade after the wedding, Silva said: “It is a terrific moment for us as a couple,” and that “This act will be felt across Chile.”

Michael Lavers, from the Blade, was there and recorded the very first gay marriage:

Counting themselves “lucky” to get an appointment as soon as they became available. For them the legal status as a couple to their two children, Clemente and Lola María was crucial. 

“Same-sex couples are always at the back of the line when it comes to adoption,” they’ve told the BBC. 

Under the new rules they will both be recognised as the legal parents of both children whereas previously as Clemente’s biological father, Jamie has only had legal recognition over his child. Javier has had the same situation with Lola. Both children were born via surrogate.

The decision to overturn the law was eventually passed by an overwhelming majority in both chambers of Chile’s government. 

Sebastián Piñera, the President of Chile and long-time opponent of marriage equality, came out in favour of the change last June.

Attitude’s new-look March/April issue is out now.