For the daily
Photo: Mariana Grief
The Minister of Education and Culture, María Julia Muñoz, participated in the opening of the annual congress of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Business. There, she stated that her ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is "studying" the possibility of facilitating access to marriage for same-sex couples who do not reside in Uruguay.
The idea, he explained, is that “the address that couples wishing to marry must register can be processed through consulates.” Regarding when this change might be implemented, he added, “We believe it can be resolved sometime this year.” Yesterday, in a meeting with representatives from all political parties, the president of the LGBT chamber, Adrián Russo, suggested legalizing same-sex marriage for foreigners to promote wedding tourism.
Recognition depends on the country of origin
To get married in Uruguay, it is not necessary to be Uruguayan or have documentation in the country; only that each of the parties establish a residence in Uruguay, which can be the same for both. Thus, the possibility of establishing a consulate as a residence would resolve this obstacle for those who wish to marry, especially for same-sex couples whose rights are not recognized in other countries.
Muñoz clarified that the marriage they may contract in Uruguay will "not necessarily" be recognized in the foreigners' country of origin, as that will depend on whether it includes that figure in its national legislation.
According to a count made by the BBC in July 2017, same-sex marriage is recognized in only 23 countries, while another 11 only allow civil unions.
- Latin America and the Caribbean (4): Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil.
- Europe (14): Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, France, United Kingdom, Iceland, Luxembourg, Finland and Germany.
- North America (3): United States, Canada and Mexico (in some states).
- Africa (1): South Africa.
- Oceania (1): New Zealand.
