BOGOTA, Colombia — Gays in Colombia may add their partners to health insurance plans, the nation's highest court has ruled, building on an earlier decision granting inheritance rights to same-sex couples.
Friday's ruling by the Constitutional Court cannot be appealed.
Conservative lawmakers earlier this year derailed efforts to allow gay couples to share health benefits.
In February, the court said gay couples need only prove they have been living together for two years in order to obtain the right to half their partner's possessions and inheritance after death or separation.
The court has not ruled on pension rights for gay couples in the event a partner dies.
Colombia Diversa, which defends the rights of homosexuals, says the country has 300,000 gay couples.
Front Section, Pages 12 on 10/07/2007