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One lesbian couple’s winding path to marriage leads to a historic first in Bolivia
The ruling could set a precedent for other couples after judges found the civil registry discriminated against the pair and ordered marriage licenses issued.
Justiniano and Rocha became the first same-sex couple to officially marry in Bolivia, a nation of 12 million, celebrating the historic milestone in their home city of Santa Cruz.
Their battle began nearly four years ago when authorities denied them a marriage license, forcing the couple to challenge a constitution defining marriage exclusively between a man and a woman.
Lawyers successfully argued that international human rights treaties supersede national law, citing an advisory opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to secure marriage equality rights.
On March 13, a constitutional tribunal in Paz sided with the couple, finding the civil registry discriminated against them; the case now heads to Bolivia's Constitutional Court for review.
Experts believe the victory could set a precedent for other same-sex couples, potentially bringing Bolivia in line with more progressive neighbors in Roman Catholic South America.
SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia (AP) — Scarlett Rocha and Fabiana Justiniano promised to look after each other for the rest of their lives. This month, after nearly four years of legal battle, they succeeded in legally recognizing the Bolivian state...