Mexico Legalizes Same Sex Unions

In Coahuila, Mexico, gay and lesbian unions are now accorded nearly the same legal status as heterosexual marriages. A new law (Ley de Sociedades de Convivencia, in Spanish), has earned Coahuila the distinction of being the first Mexican state to officially recognize same-sex unions. (Mexico's northern state of Coahuila borders the U.S. state of Texas.)

Under the law, registered same-sex couples enjoy greater protection with regard to important issues such as inheritance and pensions. On Jan. 31, a lesbian couple became the first to avail of the new law at the Coahuila State Civil Registry, and thus have their marriage legally recognized.

The law was approved by the Coahuila administration last January by a vote of 20 to 13, despite criticism from church authorities and President Felipe Calderón's conservative National Action Party. The law is applicable not only to same sex unions, but also to unmarried heterosexual couples.

Last year, Mexico City (the nation's capital and a semi-independent federal district) was the first in the nation to pass a similar measure. That law doesn't go into effect until March 16, 2007, but interested parties have been encouraged to "pre-register" by presenting applications at the Federal District Registry. According to the local media, some 570 gay and lesbian couples in Mexico City have submitted applications.

The complete text of this new law is available online here (in Spanish).

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor / www.MexicoInsider.com

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