Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled today that civil unions between same-sex couples will now be legal.
In a 10-0 vote, with one abstention, the justices said gay couples deserve the same legal rights as heterosexuals when it comes to alimony, retirement benefits, and inheritances.
“This is a historic moment for all Brazilians, not just homosexuals. This judgment will change everything for us in society – and for the better,” said Marcelo Cerqueira with the gay rights group Grupo Gay da Bahia. “Gays, lesbians and transsexuals will be recognized as being more human. We’ll be more accepted by having our rights honored.”