Mexico effectively legalises same-sex marriage
Mexico is the latest Latin American country to introduce marriage for same-sex couples
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Supreme Court in Mexico has legalised same-sex marriage in a landmark legal ruling.
A court has decreed that it is unconstitutional for Mexican states to bar same-sex marriages.
Whilst no official legislation has been brought forward in parliament to introduce marriage for gay and bisexual couples, the court ruling represents a precedent which will require courts throughout the country to follow suit.
This means that same-sex marriage has effectively been legalised throughout Mexico.
Estefanía Vela, a legal scholar at a Mexico City university told the New York Times of the ruling: “Without a doubt, gay marriage is legal everywhere. If a same-sex couple comes along and the code says marriage is between a man and a woman and for the purposes of reproduction, the court says, ‘Ignore it, marriage is for two people'.”
It is now up to couples to petition the courts individually, a process which can last several months and amount to legal bills of up to $1,000.
A number of Latin American countries have allowed same-sex marriage in recent years. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have already done so, whilst Chile and Ecuador are set to do so in the near future.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments