After a massive outpouring of public opposition, the government fought back by pressuring, bribing or simply getting out of the country, senators. What was allegedly a free vote became in effect a party loyalty vote. The Senate voted 33 to 27 to pass gay marriage. Our correspondent in Argentina writes:

"We had a sad night, although we are convinced that this is the beginning of something bigger and we are ready to fight. The best of us will show during the following years."