In a debate that lasted well into the early hours of Thursday morning, Argentina’s senate voted 33-27 to make theirs the first country in South America to legalize same-sex marriage.

Gay rights activists had predicted a close vote. According to reports, debate in Buenos Aires lasted until 4 a.m.

The subject of marriage has been a hot-button issue in Argentina for the past several months. In December, José Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre became the country’s first legally married same-sex couple because of a legal loophole.

full story www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/07/15/Argentina_Passes_Gay_Marriage/