25,000 Attend Buenos Aires Pride

Some 25,000 people marched in Buenos Aires' 16th gay pride parade Nov. 17. The route stretched from the Plaza de Mayo (site of Eva Perón's famous speech from the balcony of the Casa Rosada) up Avenida de Mayo to the Plaza de los Dos Congresos.

This year's theme was "Our Celebration Is a Demand: Freedom, Equality, Diversity."

Organizers and marchers called for legalization of same-sex marriage, not just civil unions, which are available in the capital city, and for new laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Incoming President Cristina Kirchner reportedly has indicated support for a proposed national civil-union law.