Rio de Janeiro

The number of same-sex marriages in Brazil jumped in 2018, with the trend gaining momentum following the election of Jair Bolsonaro to the country's presidency in October, according to IBGE figures released on Wednesday. From 674 same-sex marriages registered in the month of the election, registrations jumped to 3,098 in December, an increase of 360%.

Together, the 4,055 links registered in November and December make up 69% of the total registered throughout 2017.

Gay parade in São Paulo (Foto: Eduardo Anizelli/ Folhapress) - Folhapress

Many of the newlyweds cite Bolsonaro's election as a catalyst.

The current president has a history of homophobic statements. In 2013 when after the National Justice Council (CNJ) ordered the notary's offices to officiate same-sex marriages, he said such "decisions only undermine family unity, family values." People feared that he would reverse civil rights guaranteed by the court.

Despite his statements, this did not happened. His government focused on the economic agenda.

Driven by the multiplication of marriages in November and December, same-sex marriages totaled 9,520 in 2018, an increase of 61.7% over the previous year, when 5,887 were registered. In the immediately preceding period, from 2016 to 2017, the increase was 10%.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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