Argentina extends pensions to gay couples

When a couple has lived together for five years prior to one of the individuals’ deaths, the surviving partner will qualify.

The move, the first gay-rights measure implemented nationwide, came in the form of a decree from the federal government.

Activists plan to continue pushing for a national civil-union law like the ones already in place in several Argentine cities.

A bill legalizing same-sex marriage was informally presented to Argentina’s Congress in May by the head of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism.

The bill now sits with the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights, which likely will arrange for it to be formally introduced into Congress by the executive branch.