Argentina, pictured here in the form of model Ramiro Fumazoni, has long led Latin America in terms of gay rights.

Buenos Aires became the first city in the region to legalize civil unions back in 2002. Four other cities have since followed suit. And now the government has announced even more sweeping reforms:

Argentina on Monday announced its first nationwide gay-rights measure: granting same-sex couples the right to claim their deceased partners' pensions.

Couples must prove they have been living together for at least five years to receive the benefit, Amado Boudo, executive director of the national social security administration, told local television reporters.

The government's national decree will "put the rights of all cohabitants on a level playing field," Boudo said.

Speaking of playing fields – how about that Fumazoni?