Don’t Cry for Me Argentina - Give Me Rights

Argentina has announced its first nationwide gay-rights measure which will grant same-sex couples the right to claim their partners’ pensions once deceased. Prior to the new law, any deceased partners’ pensions were paid directly to the government.

According to Argentina’s executive directory of social security, Amado Boudo, couples wishing to qualify for the benefit must be able to prove they have lived together for at least five years.

Boudo said the national decree will “put the rights of all cohabitants on a level playing field.”

Gay activists were elated by Monday’s announcement as the years of efforts in campaigning for the government to grant the same rights finally became paid off becoming a reality.

Gay civil unions already are legal in five Argentine cities, including Buenos Aires.

Gay activist Pedro Paradiso said, the measure is “historic” and marks a “step forward” for human rights because it is the first nationwide gay-rights measure approved by the Argentinian government.

The organization who lobbied for the new law will now focus efforts on nationalizing civil unions, which will give additional rights to gay couples, such as adoption and inheritance.

Read more about gay friendly parts of South America here.