A government-backed bill allowing same-sex couples to adopt children was discussed in the national Parliament in the spring of 2008, receiving the support of President Vázquez and fierce opposition from the Catholic Church. The bill was approved by the Chamber of Representatives on August 27, 2009 by a 40–13 vote, and by the Senate on September 9 with a 17–6 vote. It was signed by the President on September 18, 2009. Uruguay became the first country in South America to allow same-sex couples to jointly adopt.