Brazil Army must recognize same-sex civil union

SAO PAULO— A court has ordered Brazil’s Army for the first time to recognize a same-sex civil union between a sergeant and his companion.

Judge Elio Siqueira says that the couple is entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples in terms of things such as alimony and retirement benefits.

The sergeant’s attorney said Friday it was “the first time a court ordered the Army to recognize a same-sex union of one its officers.”

Attorney Laurecilia de Sa Ferraz, says turned to the court after the army refused to recognize his civil union with his companion, a computer science student.

The army said it had no comment because it has not been officially notified of the ruling.