Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) – In what became the first gay marriage ceremony to take place in Peru, a British citizen and his Peruvian partner formalized their union under British law. The ceremony was held at the British Embassy in Lima, announced the Homosexual Movement of Lima (Mhol in Spanish).

Although the legal union between two adults of the same sex is not permitted in Peru, the couple was able to legally validate their partnership under British law. Peter Goad, a British citizen, and Marco Bretoneche, his Peruvian partner, both 42 years old, were wed last Thursday according to Mhol.

“Let this marriage serve as a precedent to Peru and let our union be recognized under the eyes of Peruvian law. We have the right to happiness, respect, and legal equality,” stated Bretoneche in a statement released by Mhol.

The British Embassy requested clearance from the Peruvian government prior to the ceremony, to which the Peruvian authorities gave the green light reminding the British authorities that the ceremony has no legal merit under Peruvian law.

Britain’s Civil Partnership Act, which became law in 2004, permits the marriage of two individuals of the same sex. Mexico City and Buenos Aires are the only cities in Latin America that allow gay unions.