Gay Brazilians rushed to the altar ahead of President Jair Bolsonaro taking office, according to newly released data that campaigners say reflected fears the incoming leader would clamp down on their rights. Same-sex marriage in Brazil rose 62% in 2018, and a fifth of the 9,520 gay weddings took place in December, according to Brazil’s government statistics agency IBGE. The right-wing Bolsonaro, who once called himself a “proud homophobe,” took office on Jan. 1, 2019 after being elected in October 2018. Rights advocates said Bolsonaro’s election led many LGBT+ people to the altar for fear that he might pass legislation limiting their right to wed.