Chile Celebrates Gay Pride Today

SANTIAGO, Chile - (AP) -- Thousands are parading in Chile's capital at a pride fest that has turned into the country's largest gay rights event.

Organizers say more than 50,000 people joined in the "Open Mind Fest." Revelers flooded several streets of Santiago waving rainbow flags and strutting in costumes as people of all ages turned out to support gay, lesbian and transgender people.

At the same time, thousands participated in a gay pride march in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires.

Chile's president signed an anti-discrimination law earlier this year after a gay man was beaten to death. The law was approved after being stuck in Congress for seven years.

Chilean lawmakers are also preparing to debate a civil union law proposed by President Sebastian Pinera that would give inheritance and other rights to same-sex couples.