Peruvian couples celebrate symbolic same-sex wedding

The Peruvian Network of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people (TLGB) organised a symbolic wedding for three couples in capital, Lima. The couples said "I do" in a small ceremony on Saturday in an event that called for equal rights for couples who are gay, bisexual or transgender.

Gay couples living together in Peru are not permitted the same civil rights as heterosexual couples. The state does not recognize same-sex unions, meaning that couples do not have access to inheritance, insurance or pensions. Gay activists have called on the authorities to separate the position of the church from the obligations of the state. President Pedro Castillo has expressed opposition to same-sex marriage and has said that for him LGBT issues "are not a priority."