Bolivia registers its first legal same-sex marriage, sparking hopes for broader recognition

Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha applied to marry in October 2022 and, following a protracted legal battle that included two appeals to the Constitutional Court, secured a ruling in March 2026 that recognized their union as the first same-sex marriage in Bolivia. Both women described the process as fraught with uncertainty and barriers, yet expressed relief and a sense of peace after the ceremony. The court's decision applies solely to their case; nationwide marriage rights for same-sex couples will depend on future Constitutional Court rulings.

Mateo Rodrigo of Equal Bolivia, who represented the pair, reported that five to ten additional couples have since sought similar legal recognition, though many remain cautious after the lengthy fight. Bolivia had earlier advanced same-sex civil unions after a 2020 landmark case, and by 2023 the registration of such unions became broadly available, with 148 unions recorded by the Ombudsman's Office. Nonetheless, civil unions provide fewer protections than marriage, and activists view this new ruling as a potential gateway to expanded rights across the socially conservative nation.