Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Bolivia’s First Same-Sex Marriage May Encourage More Couples
Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha became the first same-sex couple to have their marriage legally recognized in Bolivia.
They had to wait nearly four years and overcome several legal barriers.
A court ruling in March 2026 allowed them to marry.
However, the ruling applies only to their case.
Other couples cannot yet automatically marry under Bolivia’s nationwide administrative rules.
Activists say several couples are interested in trying to obtain the same recognition.
Bolivia already allows same-sex civil unions, but these provide fewer protections than marriage.
More court decisions will determine whether same-sex marriage becomes available to more couples.
Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha married this month after nearly four years of legal proceedings.
A March 2026 ruling cleared the way for Bolivia’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage.
The decision applies only to the couple and does not create nationwide marriage access.
Activists say five to 10 other couples have already sought legal assistance.
Bolivia has recognized 148 same-sex civil unions since broader registration became available in 2023.
- Who
- Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha, represented by lawyer Mateo Rodrigo of Equal Bolivia.
- What
- They obtained Bolivia’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage after a prolonged legal battle.
- When
- They applied in October 2022, won a ruling in March 2026, and married this month; the report was published August 26.
- Where
- Bolivia, an Andean nation; the report includes accounts from La Paz.
- Why
- They sought legal recognition of their relationship and the broader protections associated with marriage.
Broader Marriage Access
Case-by-Case Recognition
How the ruling should affect other couples
Broader Marriage Access
Activists say the landmark marriage could encourage other same-sex couples to seek recognition and open a new chapter for LGBT rights in Bolivia.
Case-by-Case Recognition
The court’s decision applies only to Justiniano and Rocha, so other couples must await further Constitutional Court rulings.
Marriage versus civil unions
Broader Marriage Access
Supporters say marriage provides more practical protections and opens more legal possibilities than civil unions.
Case-by-Case Recognition
Civil unions are already broadly registrable, but they remain the currently available option for many same-sex couples because nationwide same-sex marriage has not been established.
- First recognized marriage
- Fabiana Justiniano and Scarlett Rocha’s marriage is described as Bolivia’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage.
- Application date
- The couple applied to marry in October 2022.
- Legal process
- Their case lasted nearly four years and included two constitutional appeals.
- Ruling date
- A ruling in March 2026 cleared the way for their wedding.
- Current legal scope
- The ruling applies only to their specific case; same-sex marriage is not yet available nationwide through administrative rules.
- Civil unions
- Bolivia has recognized 148 same-sex civil unions since registration became broadly available in 2023.
- New inquiries
- Equal Bolivia has received requests from approximately five to 10 other couples since the wedding.