Argentina passes marriage equality.

Lawmakers in the Senate passed the bill after 14 hours of debate that began Wednesday and carried well into early Thursday morning, the state-run Telam news agency reported.

The bill had already passed the lower chamber of Congress.

It gives same-sex couples equal marriage rights, including the ability to adopt children.

The law was backed by the center-left government of President Cristina Kirchner, who has said she will sign it.

This is terrific news in a country that has gone from right-wing dictators to military coups to emphatic democracy and equality. It’s a lesson that a certain country that prides itself on freedom and liberty — and isn’t above lecturing other countries about the blessings of equal rights under the law — could learn.

And I can think of at least two couples I know here in Miami who will be heading home to tie the knot.

HT to Melissa.