Thousands protest same-sex marriage proposal in Buenos Aires

Protests erupted outside Argentina’s congress in Buenos Aires as thousands of protesters gathered to rally against a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage. The House of Deputies has approved same-sex marriage legislation that will also open the way to adoptions by same-sex couples. The legislation is opposed by the Roman Catholic church and other religious groups, whose main slogan for the anti-legislation protest was “Children have a right to a mother and a father.” Mexico City—though not the rest of Mexico—allows gay marriage and other countries allow same-sex civil unions, but Argentina would be the first country in Latin America to grant gay men and lesbians the same rights as heterosexuals. Argentina’s president, Cristina Fernández, has promised not to veto the measure if it reaches her desk.

Guardian