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Landmark Bolivia same-sex marriage could pave way for more couples, activists say
The ruling applies only to their case, and lawyers say 5 to 10 other couples have already asked about marriage rights.
After nearly four years of legal proceedings and two constitutional appeals, Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha won a ruling in March 2026, securing Bolivia's first legally recognized same-sex marriage.
Same-Sex civil unions became legally accessible following a 2020 landmark case involving David Aruquipa and Guido Monta; Bolivia has recognized 148 such unions since, according to the Ombudsman Office.
"We had many doubts, a lot of uncertainty... because the process was so long and during the process there were so many barriers," Scarlett Rocha said. Fabiana Justiniano added, "For me, marriage means peace."
Mateo Rodrigo, a lawyer with Equal Bolivia, said the ruling triggered interest from others; around five to 10 couples have approached the organization to inquire about the process.
Nonetheless, the Bolivian court ruling applies only to their specific case; same-sex marriage is not yet available nationwide through administrative rules, with future access dependent on further Constitutional Court rulings.