The Brazilian government has recognized a lesbian couple for immigration purposes, activists reported Aug. 27.
The French/Brazilian couple met in France and “married” there under France’s civil-unions law, which grants nearly all rights and obligations of marriage. The Brazilian woman was then granted French residency.
The couple then decided to move to Brazil and, after prolonged wrangling, their relationship was recognized by a 17-judge panel based on the principle of international reciprocity, the activists reported.
“This is important for us because it brings to light that reciprocity laws are important,” said Marta Donayre who works with the San Francisco-based National Center for Lesbian Rights.