Scores of lesbian and gay couples have registered for marriage licences in Mexico City, the first place in Latin America to legalise gay marriage with the first ceremonies taking place in ten days. The city passed a law in December of last year that gives gay and lesbian couples the same rights to marry, adopt children, secure loans, benefit from their partner’s insurance policies and inherit without paying tax.
Although the law only applies to residents of Mexico City, they are recognised in the rest of the country’s 31 states. Intriguingly the actual requirements to prove residency are low: a utiliy bill, even in someone else’s name.
However, the law is being challenged in the country’s Supreme Court by the Mexican federal government, arguing it breaches the country’s constitution. A statement from the federal Attorney General’s Office said the law “violates the principle of legality, because it strays from the constitutional principle of protecting the family”.
Click here for gay marriage resources in Mexico.
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