Recognition of same-sex unions in Bolivia

Legal history

Activists introduced bills for free unions in 2012, but they were tabled due to constitutional interpretations favoring heterosexual marriage. A revised Family Code in 2015 used gender-neutral terms but did not explicitly grant rights to same-sex couples. In 2018, an Inter-American Court advisory opinion stated that states must guarantee access to marriage for same-sex couples.

Civil unions

The first same-sex civil union was registered in La Paz on December 18, 2020, after a couple challenged the registry's refusal. A Constitutional Tribunal ruling on June 22, 2022, mandated that the Civil Registry Service register all civil unions. By January 2023, sixteen couples had registered their unions across several cities.

Civil marriage

On August 7, 2026, Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha married in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This followed a court order directing the government to issue a marriage license instead of a civil union certificate. The ruling applied only to this couple but created a potential precedent for future cases under Bolivian law.

How Recognition of same-sex unions in Bolivia is kept

Couples apply at a Civil Registry Service office. If refused, they file a lawsuit citing constitutional protections against discrimination and international human rights treaties. Courts have ruled in favor of applicants, ordering the registry to issue certificates for civil unions or marriages.

When and where

Civil unions have been recognized since 2020. Civil marriage recognition began in August 2026 following specific court orders.

Primarily in La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where the initial legal challenges and registrations took place.

What Recognition of same-sex unions in Bolivia means

The practice symbolizes the state's recognition of equal family rights and the protection of sexual freedom under the constitution and international law.

Who takes part

• The couple: Files a lawsuit challenging the registry's refusal to recognize their relationship.
• The court: Orders the government to issue a civil union or marriage certificate.
• The registry: Registers the union or marriage upon receiving a court order.

Then and now

The legal landscape continues to evolve as activists seek broader precedents. The 2026 marriage ruling may lead to further changes in how same-sex relationships are officially recognized.

Questions people ask about Recognition of same-sex unions in Bolivia

See also

Recognition of same-sex unions in ItalyThe legal framework that grants same-sex couples rights and protections in Italy.Recognition of same-sex unions in VanuatuThe legal status and history of marriage equality for same-sex couples in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.Unregistered cohabitation in IsraelLegal recognition for same-sex couples living together without a formal religious or civil wedding ceremony.Polygamy in UzbekistanThe practice of men taking multiple wives in a country where the law strictly forbids it.

Good reading and sources

• Recognition of same-sex unions in Bolivia on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.