Argentina

Homosexuality in Argentina is not a criminal offence. The Constitution includes a paragraph that bans some anti-gay discrimination. The age of consent is 16 years. During the last years the Argentinean society has become more tolerant towards homosexuality. Ever since August 2011, Argentine is the only South American country where homosexuals are allowed to marry. President Cristina Kirchner ultimately passed the law, which had only come about with the help of the opposition and a 15-hour senate debate, despite massive protests from Catholics. The name Argentina means "silver". The country has a wide range of climate zones and landscapes: the Iguazú waterfall, the end of the earth at Ushuaia, the "tren de las nubes" (train on the clouds), the glaciers in Patagonia (Perito Moreno the most amazing one) and the recently opened gay Calu Beach in Mar del Plata. Argentina is becoming an international gay centre. Many gays tourists from all over the world are choosing to visit Argentina. The favourable dollar exchange rate, the cultural life as well as the nightlife, are some of the reasons why they decide to visit this wonderful country. The annual Lesbian, Gay, Transvestite, Transsexual and Bisexual Pride Parade in Buenos Aires takes place each year in November with several thousand participants.