LGBT rights activists in Chile are
celebrating the civil union of an openly gay uniformed policeman.
Hugo Alcalde is the first member of
Santiago's police force to take advantage of Chile's new law allowing
gay couples to enter civil partnerships.
Lawmakers approved the legislation last
year and it took effect in October.
(Related: Law
allowing civil unions for gay couples takes effect in Chile.)
Alcalde and Jose Luis Valdes celebrated
their civil union with friends and family on Wednesday, Reuters
reported.
“To let everyone know that you're gay
isn't easy, but if you have the support of friends, family and the
people that you know, there's no problem,” he said.
“It's a weight off your shoulders,”
he added.
Rolando Jimenez of the Chilean LGBT
rights group Movilh called the union a milestone.
“So, this is an historic milestone,
and we thank and value the bravery of this first officer to publicly
take this stand,” Jimenez said.