Controversy has been sparked as the first civil union between three separate partners was registered in Tupã, in the Northwestern region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil last week. The three-person union has shocked religious groups in the country, and sparked further concerns that the traditional family unit is being further eroded by the current day society.

The actual declaration of the union between the man and two women was in fact made three months ago, but it finally became public this week.

Notary officer, Claudia do Nascimento Domingues, has explained that the three partners lived together and wanted to publicly declare their status in order to guarantee their rights. Checks were conducted to see if there was any legal impediment to the unions and the notary office has confirmed that none were found.

Attorney Nathaniel Batista dos Santos Junior oversaw the legal process of creating the three-way declaration.

Brazil's recognition of a three-way union has caused outrage in some parts of the country, and many have taken to social media networks to vent their thoughts – most expressing anger and indignation.

"Notary in SP registers stable union of three people. How can this be? Mankind is lost indeed," wrote Twitter user Maíra Rabassa.

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"Notary registers stable union of 3 people. Man accompanied by two women. I don't know what to say," expressed the bewildered Yuri Guimaraes.

"Excuse my ignorance: Isn't this polygamy and, therefore, crime?" questioned another user.

One widely respected psychologist and evangelical Christian, Marisa Lobo, who is known for encouraging reparative therapy laws for homosexuals in Brazil, has been one of the most outspoken in expressing her outrage at the news: "Jesus, come back soon!"

"My faith and my indignation also grew. My question is: what are these law holders driving at? What is the media driving at? What are these groups driving at by confronting the society with totally distorted values?" she questioned, according to the Verdade Gospel publication.

According to Lobo, even an employee at the notary office, who confirmed to her that such a union had taken place, also expressed her shock and concern at the development.

"They live together and have legalized issues surrounding property and children (…). I try to imagine the sons of these three people, how would they feel? But today everything is like this, we are even afraid to talk about it," said the Notary employee to Lobo.

Tayon Berlanga, the President of the Bar Association of Marilia, a city near Tupã, has confirmed that the document gives rights to the three in regards to the division of property. However, it does not guarantee family rights, such as death benefits, financing in banks, or dependence on health plans, it was claimed.