While the United States is arguing over the definition of marriage and whether same-sex couples should be granted the same legal protections as heterosexual couples, Brazil has taken it one step further legally sanctioning civil unions for a three-way couple. The unidentified couple at the center of the case that has started an uproar is composed of “three professionals in their 30s who live together and say they love one another as equals and are like any other non-married cohabiting couple,” as reported by CNN.
Yamiche Alcindor of USA Today reports that the Brazilian public notary granted the three-way couple all of the legal benefits of marriage. The couple sought the protection in case of separation or death. Some religious and legal groups are fighting the validity of the judgment because Brazilian law defines marriage as a union between two people, not three people. Supporters can argue that three is made up of a couple so the law applies. Referred to as “polyfidelitous” relationships, other cases will be forthcoming including a quintet (two men and three women) and another trio (one woman and two men).
Read more at USA Today or CNN.
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