Uruguay has become the first Latin American country to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples nationwide. Under the law, gay, lesbian and straight couples will be able to form civil unions after living together for five years. Uruguayan Senator Margarita Percovich called the law an historic measure.

Uruguayan Senator Margarita Percovich: “This is a breakthrough for other rights that should exist. I firmly believe that homosexual couples, as well as heterosexual couples, have the right to get married.”