On Thursday, August 27, lawmakers in Uruguay have approved a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt, the Associated Press informs.

Despite opposition from Roman Catholic Church and some of the political opposition, the 99-seat Chamber of Representatives passed the bill 40-13.

On the second stage, it goes next to the Senate, which already approved an earlier version of the bill in July but must now vote again on modifications.

If the document becomes law, Uruguay would be the first country in Latin America to allow adoption by gay and lesbian couples.