Policy

First Gay Couple Weds in Uruguay

One of the men is near death

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Uruguay saw its first gay marriage Monday but the big day was tinged with sadness because one of the men was on his death bed.

The ceremony in the second country of Latin America to recognize same sex marriage was held at a hospital in the capital Montevideo.

It came hours after another gay couple became the first to register to wed, some time soon. Monday was the first day they could do so under a gay marriage law that passed back in April.

The men who actually married sidestepped red tape by presenting a certificate stating the sick man is in imminent risk of death, said Adolf Orellano, director of the Civil Registry.