Brazilian judge approves first same-sex ‘marriage’
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A Brazilian judge approved the conversion of a same-sex couple’s civil union into a legally recognized “marriage” on June 27th, making it the country’s first homosexual “marriage.”
Sao Paulo state Judge Fernando Henrique Pinto said he based his ruling on a Supreme Court decision in May that approved civil unions, as well as on Brazil’s Constitution - which outlines how a civil union can be upgraded to a marriage - and a UN resolution against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The homosexual couple, identified on Globo television network as Sergio Kauffman Sousa and Luiz Andre Moresi, registered their civil union on May 17, and requested the conversion at a state court in the city of Jacarei, 85 km. northeast of Sao Paulo.
It is not clear what wider implications Judge Pinto’s decision will have. Although Judge Pinto’s ruling can be overturned by a higher court, the homosexual couple told Globo TV that they would go to the Supreme Court if necessary.