Recognition of same-sex unions in Mexico
Encyclopedia
In Mexico
, only civil marriage
s are recognized by the law and all its proceedings fall under local state
legislation. Same-sex marriage
s are legally performed in Mexico City
and same-sex civil unions
are legally performed in Mexico City and the northern state of Coahuila
(Civil Pact of Solidarity, PSC), whose legal residents constitute 10.31% of the national population approximately.The sum of legal residents of the Mexican Federal District (8,836,045) and Coahuila
(2,495,200) divided by the total population of Mexico
(109,955,400) according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Same-sex marriages in Mexico City
and same-sex civil unions
in Coahuila have protected rights throughout the entire country.
In late November 2009, the leading party at the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District
(ALDF), the Party of the Democratic Revolution
(PRD), announced that it is fine-tuning an amendment to the Civil Code
to legalize same-sex marriage in Mexico City. A project endorsed by the local Head of Government
Marcelo Ebrard
but strongly opposed by the second largest political force in the country, the right-of-center National Action Party
(PAN) and the Roman Catholic Church
. The bill found support from over 600 non-governmental organizations, including the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
(ILGA) and Amnesty International
(AI). On 21 December 2009, Mexico City became the first Latin American jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage. The law became effective on 4 March 2010.
On August 5, the Supreme Court
voted 8-2 to uphold the constitutionality of Mexico City's same-sex marriage law. The Court later ruled on August 10, 2010, that Mexico City marriages are valid throughout the entire country.
, Mexico City did not belong to any particular state but to all. After years of demanding greater political autonomy
, residents were given the right to directly elect the Head of Government of the Federal District
and the representatives of the unicameral Legislative Assembly
(ALDF) by popular vote in 1997. Ever since, the center-left Party of the Democratic Revolution
(PRD) has controlled both political power
s.
In the early 2000s, Enoé Uranga, an openly lesbian
politician
and activist, unsuccessfully pushed a bill
that would have legalized same-sex civil unions in Mexico City under the name Ley de Sociedades de Convivencia (LSC, Law for Coexistence Partnerships). Despite being passed four times by legislative commissions, the bill repeatedly got stuck in plenary voting for its sensitive nature, which could be attributed to the widespread opposition from right-wing groups and then-Head of Government Andrés Manuel López Obrador
's ambiguity concerning the bill. Nonetheless, as new left-wing mayor Marcelo Ebrard
was expected to take power in December 2006, the ALDF decided to take up the bill and approved it in a 43-17 vote on 9 November.
The law was well-received by feminist and LGBT groups, including Emilio Álvarez Icaza, then-chairman of the Federal District's Human Rights Commission, who declared that "the law was not a threat to anyone in particular, and that it will be a matter of time before it shows positive consequences for different social groups." It was strongly opposed by right-wing groups such as the National Parents' Union and the Roman Catholic Church
, which labeled the assemblymen
who voted for the law as "sin
ners", and complained it was "vengeance against the Catholic Church from the more radical groups from the left, who felt it was a demand for justice
." The law officially took effect on 16 March 2007. Mexico City's first same-sex civil union was between Jorge Cerpa, a 31-year-old economist
, and Antonio Medina, a 38-year-old journalist
. As of December 2009, 736 same-sex civil unions have taken place in the city since the law became effective, of which 24 have been annulled (3%).
had started to be discussed as early as November 2006.
On 11 January 2007, in a 20–13 vote the congress of the northern state of Coahuila
legalized same-sex civil unions under the name Pacto Civil de Solidaridad (PCS, Civil Pact of Solidarity), which gives property
and inheritance
rights to same-sex couples. Similar to France
's Pacte Civil de Solidarité
and Germany
's Eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft.
"The PCS represents a sensible response to the existence of citizens who traditionally have been victims of discrimination, humiliation
and abuse
. This does not have to do with morality
. It has to do with legality
. As human beings, we have to protect them as they are. It has to do with civil liberty," said congresswoman Julieta López, who pushed the bill, of the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party
(PRI), whose 19 members voted for the law. Luis Alberto Mendoza, deputy of the center-right National Action Party
(PAN), which opposed, said the new law was an "attack against the family
, which is society
's natural group and is formed by a man and a woman." Other than that, the PCS drew little opposition. Bishop
Raúl Vera, who heads the Catholic Diocese of Saltillo
, declined to condemn the law. While Vera insisted that "two women or two men cannot get married," he also sees gay people as a vulnerable minority
. "Today we live in a society
that is composed in a different way. There are people who do not want to marry under the law or in the church. They need legal protection. I should not abandon these people." Unlike Mexico City's law, once same-sex couples have registered in Coahuila
, the state protects their rights no matter where they live in the country. Twenty days after the law had passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo, Coahuila. It was between 29-years-olds Karina Almaguer and Karla Lopez, a lesbian couple from Tamaulipas
. Since 2007, 196 same-sex couples have entered into a PCS, none of them have been annulled.
. But it faced strong opposition and criticism from deputies of the Institutional Revolutionary Party
(PRI) and the National Action Party
(PAN), who declared that "the traditional family
is the only social model, and there cannot be another one." In July 2009, the Party of the Democratic Revolution
(PRD) introduced a formal initiative to legalize civil unions in the western state of Colima
. Nevertheless, the following month, the local legislature decided not to take up the initiative, following widespread opposition from right-wing groups. On 13 November 2006, in neighboring state of Michoacán
, it was announced that a similar bill would be formally proposed. However, as of August 2009, it has been stalled, meaning it has not been discussed by the local congress. Additionally, gay rights legislation that could likely include civil unions is being debated in the states of Jalisco
and Guerrero
. In December 2009, Governor of Colima
Mario Anguiano Moreno agreed to discuss the legalization of civil unions and adoption by same-sex couples in the current legislature.
in Mexico City. Luis González Plascencia, chairman of the Humans Rights Commission of Mexico City, backed the bill and said that it was up to the Legislative Assembly to consider LGBT adoption. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
(ILGA), International Amnesty (AI), the AIDS Healthcare Foundation
and over 600 non-governmental organization
s supported the legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico City. The PAN has announced it will either go to the courts to appeal the law or demand a referendum
. However, a referendum on same-sex marriage was rejected by the Legislative Assembly in a 36-22 vote on 18 December 2009. On 21 December 2009, the Legislative Assembly legalized same-sex marriage
(39-20) in Mexico City. The bill changes the definition of marriage in the city's Civil Code
from "a free union between a man and a woman" to "a free union between two people." The law would grant same-sex couples the same rights as opposite-sex couples, including adopting children. The PAN vowed to challenge the law in the courts. On 29 December 2009, Head of Government
Marcelo Ebrard
signed the bill into law, which became effective on 4 March 2010. On August 5, the Supreme Court
voted 8-2 to uphold the constitutionality of Mexico City's same-sex marriage law. The Court later ruled on August 10, 2010, that Mexico City marriages are valid throughout the entire country.
, the local Congress overwhelmingly approved a ban on same-sex marriage
in a 24–1 vote on 21 July 2009. The law raised heterosexual marriage and families
to the constitutional level via the approval of amendments to the state's Civil Code
. The bill was promoted by right-wing organization Pro Yucatán Network to reject all efforts by people of the same sex to form a family and adopt children. PAN politicians justified the ban alleging that "there still aren't adequate conditions within Yucatán society to allow for unions between people of the same sex." The event led to protest
s outside the local Congress by LGBT organizations, whose leaders are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation
.
, the PRD has announced it will propose both bills, along with same-sex civil unions
(Law for Coexistence Partnerships) in 2010. In the southeastern state of Tabasco
, 20 same-sex couples sent a motion to the state legislature
asking to allow them to marry. The state's largest political parties, the Institutional Revolutionary Party
(PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution
(PRD), have announced their support for same-sex marriage in the 2010 agenda. In the northwestern state of Sonora
, an initiative to allow same-sex couples to marry has been delivered to the state's Congress by former Labor Party
candidate for governor, Miguel Angel Haro Moren, who expects the bill to be well-received by the lawmakers "because the Sonoran society is not conservative, but rather, the political class", Haro said. In Morelos
, bills concerning same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples are expected to be proposed by the Labor Party
(PT) in mid-2010.
in Mexico. 17% responded yes, 61% said no and 14% had no opinion. The same poll showed 28% in support of same-sex civil unions
, 41% were opposed and 28% had no opinion. From 27 November to 30 November 2009, major Mexican newspaper El Universal
polled 1,000 Mexico City citizens concerning the legalization of same-sex marriage in the city. 50% supported it, 38% were against it and 12% had no idea. The same poll showed that support was stronger among the youngest population (age: 18–29), 67%, and weaker among the oldest (age: 50-onwards), 38%. With 48% the most cited reason was "right of choice" for the supporters, followed by "everybody is equal" with 14%. 39% of the opposers cited "it is not normal" as the main reason to not support same-sex marriage, followed by "we lose values" with 18%.
Guillermo Bustamante Manilla, a PAN member and president of UNPF, as well as the father of Guillermo Bustamante Artasánchez, a law director of the Secretary of the Interior
, opposes abortion and same-sex civil unions and has called the latter as "anti-natural." He has publicly asked voters not to cast votes for "abortionists" parties and those who are in favor of homosexual relationships.
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, only civil marriage
Civil marriage
Civil marriage is marriage performed by a government official and not a religious organization.-History:Every country maintaining a population registry of its residents keeps track of marital status, and most countries believe that it is their responsibility to register married couples. Most...
s are recognized by the law and all its proceedings fall under local state
States of Mexico
The United Mexican States is a federal republic formed by 32 federal entities .According to the Constitution of 1917, the states of the federation are free and sovereign. Each state has their own congress and constitution, while the Federal District has only limited autonomy with a local Congress...
legislation. Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
s are legally performed in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
and same-sex civil unions
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
are legally performed in Mexico City and the northern state of Coahuila
Coahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
(Civil Pact of Solidarity, PSC), whose legal residents constitute 10.31% of the national population approximately.The sum of legal residents of the Mexican Federal District (8,836,045) and Coahuila
Coahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
(2,495,200) divided by the total population of Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
(109,955,400) according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Same-sex marriages in Mexico City
Same-sex marriage in Mexico City
Same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico City —the Federal District of Mexico— having been approved by its Legislative Assembly on 21 December 2009, and signed into law by Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard on 29 December 2009...
and same-sex civil unions
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
in Coahuila have protected rights throughout the entire country.
In late November 2009, the leading party at the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District
Legislative Assembly of the Federal District
The Legislative Assembly of the Federal District is the legislative branch of government of the Mexican Federal District. Between 1988 and 1993, it was known as the Assembly of Representatives of the Federal District , during which period it had reduced powers with respect to the current...
(ALDF), the Party of the Democratic Revolution
Party of the Democratic Revolution
The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
(PRD), announced that it is fine-tuning an amendment to the Civil Code
Civil code
A civil code is a systematic collection of laws designed to comprehensively deal with the core areas of private law. A jurisdiction that has a civil code generally also has a code of civil procedure...
to legalize same-sex marriage in Mexico City. A project endorsed by the local Head of Government
Head of Government of the Federal District
The Head of Government wields executive power in the Mexican Federal District.The Head of Government serves a six-year term, running concurrently with that of the President of the Republic....
Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón is the current Head of Government of the Federal District since December 5, 2006. He is a Mexican politician affiliated to the Party of the Democratic Revolution who served as Secretary-General of the former Mexican Federal District Department, minister of public...
but strongly opposed by the second largest political force in the country, the right-of-center National Action Party
National Action Party (Mexico)
The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the...
(PAN) and the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. The bill found support from over 600 non-governmental organizations, including the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is an international organization bringing together more than 750 LGBTI groups from around the world. It continues to be active in campaigning for LGBT rights on the international human rights and civil rights scene and...
(ILGA) and Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
(AI). On 21 December 2009, Mexico City became the first Latin American jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage. The law became effective on 4 March 2010.
On August 5, the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation is the highest federal court in the United Mexican States. It consists of a President of the Supreme Court and ten Ministers who are confirmed by the Senate from a list proposed by the President of the Republic.Justices of the SCJN serve for fifteen...
voted 8-2 to uphold the constitutionality of Mexico City's same-sex marriage law. The Court later ruled on August 10, 2010, that Mexico City marriages are valid throughout the entire country.
Mexico City
Being the seat of the Powers of the UnionPowers of the Union
The Powers of the Union is a constitutional term to refer to the three branches of the Mexican government jointly:* the executive power, the president of the United Mexican States;...
, Mexico City did not belong to any particular state but to all. After years of demanding greater political autonomy
Autonomy
Autonomy is a concept found in moral, political and bioethical philosophy. Within these contexts, it is the capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision...
, residents were given the right to directly elect the Head of Government of the Federal District
Head of Government of the Federal District
The Head of Government wields executive power in the Mexican Federal District.The Head of Government serves a six-year term, running concurrently with that of the President of the Republic....
and the representatives of the unicameral Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly of the Federal District
The Legislative Assembly of the Federal District is the legislative branch of government of the Mexican Federal District. Between 1988 and 1993, it was known as the Assembly of Representatives of the Federal District , during which period it had reduced powers with respect to the current...
(ALDF) by popular vote in 1997. Ever since, the center-left Party of the Democratic Revolution
Party of the Democratic Revolution
The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
(PRD) has controlled both political power
Political power
Political power is a type of power held by a group in a society which allows administration of some or all of public resources, including labour, and wealth. There are many ways to obtain possession of such power. At the nation-state level political legitimacy for political power is held by the...
s.
In the early 2000s, Enoé Uranga, an openly lesbian
Lesbian
Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and activist, unsuccessfully pushed a bill
Bill (proposed law)
A bill is a proposed law under consideration by a legislature. A bill does not become law until it is passed by the legislature and, in most cases, approved by the executive. Once a bill has been enacted into law, it is called an act or a statute....
that would have legalized same-sex civil unions in Mexico City under the name Ley de Sociedades de Convivencia (LSC, Law for Coexistence Partnerships). Despite being passed four times by legislative commissions, the bill repeatedly got stuck in plenary voting for its sensitive nature, which could be attributed to the widespread opposition from right-wing groups and then-Head of Government Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Andrés Manuel López Obrador , also known as AMLO or El Peje, is a Mexican politician who held the position of Head of Government of the Federal District from 2000 to 2005, before resigning in July 2005 to contend the 2006 presidential election, representing the unsuccessful Coalition for the Good...
's ambiguity concerning the bill. Nonetheless, as new left-wing mayor Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón is the current Head of Government of the Federal District since December 5, 2006. He is a Mexican politician affiliated to the Party of the Democratic Revolution who served as Secretary-General of the former Mexican Federal District Department, minister of public...
was expected to take power in December 2006, the ALDF decided to take up the bill and approved it in a 43-17 vote on 9 November.
| Political party | Members | Yes | No | Abstain | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Party of the Democratic Revolution The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International... |
34 | 33 | 1 | ||
 National Action Party (Mexico) The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the... |
17 | 16 | 1 | ||
 Institutional Revolutionary Party The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few... |
4 | 4 | |||
 New Alliance Party (Mexico) The New Alliance Party is one of the newest political parties in Mexico.Its creation was proposed by the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación , the largest trade union in Latin America, led by Elba Esther Gordillo, the controversial former general secretary of the Institutional... |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
 Ecologist Green Party of Mexico The Ecologist Green Party of Mexico is one of the six political parties to have representation in the Mexican Congress. The party's congressional strength currently stands at 17 deputies and five senators .-Elections 2000:... |
3 | 3 | |||
 Social Democratic Party (Mexico) The Social Democratic Party was a short-lived Mexican political party.The party's first name was Social Democratic and Peasant Alternative Party but on May 2007 changed its name to Social Democratic Alternative Party, and in 2008 changed once again to simply Socialdemocratic... |
2 | 2 | |||
 Labor Party (Mexico) The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya.... |
1 | 1 | |||
 Convergence (Mexico) Convergence is a political party in Mexico. It was previously known as Convergence for Democracy but the party assembly decided, in August 2002, to adopt the shorter form of its name.Convergence was founded as a "national political grouping" in 1997... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Total | 66 | 43 | 17 | 5 | 1 |
The law was well-received by feminist and LGBT groups, including Emilio Álvarez Icaza, then-chairman of the Federal District's Human Rights Commission, who declared that "the law was not a threat to anyone in particular, and that it will be a matter of time before it shows positive consequences for different social groups." It was strongly opposed by right-wing groups such as the National Parents' Union and the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, which labeled the assemblymen
Deputy (legislator)
A deputy is a legislator in many countries, particularly those with legislatures styled as a 'Chamber of Deputies' or 'National Assembly'.-List of countries:This is an list of countries using the term 'deputy' or one of its cognates....
who voted for the law as "sin
Sin
In religion, sin is the violation or deviation of an eternal divine law or standard. The term sin may also refer to the state of having committed such a violation. Christians believe the moral code of conduct is decreed by God In religion, sin (also called peccancy) is the violation or deviation...
ners", and complained it was "vengeance against the Catholic Church from the more radical groups from the left, who felt it was a demand for justice
Justice
Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics; justice is the act of being just and/or fair.-Concept of justice:...
." The law officially took effect on 16 March 2007. Mexico City's first same-sex civil union was between Jorge Cerpa, a 31-year-old economist
Economist
An economist is a professional in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy...
, and Antonio Medina, a 38-year-old journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
. As of December 2009, 736 same-sex civil unions have taken place in the city since the law became effective, of which 24 have been annulled (3%).
| Year | Unions | Annulled |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 257 | 10 |
| 2008 | 268 | 14 |
| 2009 | 211 | |
| Total | 736 | 24 |
Coahuila
The legalization of same-sex civil unions in CoahuilaCoahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
had started to be discussed as early as November 2006.
On 11 January 2007, in a 20–13 vote the congress of the northern state of Coahuila
Coahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
legalized same-sex civil unions under the name Pacto Civil de Solidaridad (PCS, Civil Pact of Solidarity), which gives property
Property
Property is any physical or intangible entity that is owned by a person or jointly by a group of people or a legal entity like a corporation...
and inheritance
Inheritance
Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. It has long played an important role in human societies...
rights to same-sex couples. Similar to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
's Pacte Civil de Solidarité
Pacte civil de solidarité
In France, a pacte civil de solidarité commonly known as a PACS /paks/ , is a form of civil union between two adults for organising their joint life. It brings rights and responsibilities, but less so than marriage...
and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
's Eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft.
| Political party | Members | Yes | No | Abstain | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Revolutionary Party Institutional Revolutionary Party The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few... |
20 | 19 | 1 | ||
| National Action Party National Action Party (Mexico) The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the... |
9 | 9 | |||
| Party of the Democratic Revolution Party of the Democratic Revolution The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International... |
2 | 1 | 1 | ||
 Democratic Unity of Coahuila |
2 | 2 | |||
| Ecologist Green Party of Mexico Ecologist Green Party of Mexico The Ecologist Green Party of Mexico is one of the six political parties to have representation in the Mexican Congress. The party's congressional strength currently stands at 17 deputies and five senators .-Elections 2000:... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Labor Party Labor Party (Mexico) The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya.... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Total | 35 | 20 | 13 | 2 | |
"The PCS represents a sensible response to the existence of citizens who traditionally have been victims of discrimination, humiliation
Humiliation
Humiliation is the abasement of pride, which creates mortification or leads to a state of being humbled or reduced to lowliness or submission. It can be brought about through bullying, intimidation, physical or mental mistreatment or trickery, or by embarrassment if a person is revealed to have...
and abuse
Abuse
Abuse is the improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, sexual assault, violation, rape, unjust practices; wrongful practice or custom; offense; crime, or otherwise...
. This does not have to do with morality
Morality
Morality is the differentiation among intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good and bad . A moral code is a system of morality and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code...
. It has to do with legality
Legality
The principle of legality is the legal ideal that requires all law to be clear, ascertainable and non-retrospective. It requires decision makers to resolve disputes by applying legal rules that have been declared beforehand, and not to alter the legal situation retrospectively by discretionary...
. As human beings, we have to protect them as they are. It has to do with civil liberty," said congresswoman Julieta López, who pushed the bill, of the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party
Institutional Revolutionary Party
The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few...
(PRI), whose 19 members voted for the law. Luis Alberto Mendoza, deputy of the center-right National Action Party
National Action Party (Mexico)
The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the...
(PAN), which opposed, said the new law was an "attack against the family
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
, which is society
Society
A society, or a human society, is a group of people related to each other through persistent relations, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or virtual territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations...
's natural group and is formed by a man and a woman." Other than that, the PCS drew little opposition. Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
Raúl Vera, who heads the Catholic Diocese of Saltillo
Saltillo
Saltillo is the capital city of the northeastern Mexican state of Coahuila and the municipal seat of the municipality of the same name. The city is located about 400 km south of the U.S. state of Texas, and 90 km west of Monterrey, Nuevo León....
, declined to condemn the law. While Vera insisted that "two women or two men cannot get married," he also sees gay people as a vulnerable minority
Minority group
A minority is a sociological group within a demographic. The demographic could be based on many factors from ethnicity, gender, wealth, power, etc. The term extends to numerous situations, and civilizations within history, despite the misnomer of minorities associated with a numerical statistic...
. "Today we live in a society
Society
A society, or a human society, is a group of people related to each other through persistent relations, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or virtual territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations...
that is composed in a different way. There are people who do not want to marry under the law or in the church. They need legal protection. I should not abandon these people." Unlike Mexico City's law, once same-sex couples have registered in Coahuila
Coahuila
Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico...
, the state protects their rights no matter where they live in the country. Twenty days after the law had passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo, Coahuila. It was between 29-years-olds Karina Almaguer and Karla Lopez, a lesbian couple from Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tamaulipas is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 43 municipalities and its capital city is Ciudad Victoria. The capital city was named after Guadalupe Victoria, the...
. Since 2007, 196 same-sex couples have entered into a PCS, none of them have been annulled.
Other states
Similar bills have been proposed by the PRD in at least six states. On 7 December 2006, a similar bill to that of Mexico City was proposed in PueblaPuebla
Puebla officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Puebla is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 217 municipalities and its capital city is Puebla....
. But it faced strong opposition and criticism from deputies of the Institutional Revolutionary Party
Institutional Revolutionary Party
The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few...
(PRI) and the National Action Party
National Action Party (Mexico)
The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the...
(PAN), who declared that "the traditional family
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
is the only social model, and there cannot be another one." In July 2009, the Party of the Democratic Revolution
Party of the Democratic Revolution
The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
(PRD) introduced a formal initiative to legalize civil unions in the western state of Colima
Colima
Colima is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, make up the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It shares its name with its capital and main city, Colima....
. Nevertheless, the following month, the local legislature decided not to take up the initiative, following widespread opposition from right-wing groups. On 13 November 2006, in neighboring state of Michoacán
Michoacán
Michoacán officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Michoacán de Ocampo is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 113 municipalities and its capital city is Morelia...
, it was announced that a similar bill would be formally proposed. However, as of August 2009, it has been stalled, meaning it has not been discussed by the local congress. Additionally, gay rights legislation that could likely include civil unions is being debated in the states of Jalisco
Jalisco
Jalisco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Jalisco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is located in Western Mexico and divided in 125 municipalities and its capital city is Guadalajara.It is one of the more important states...
and Guerrero
Guerrero
Guerrero officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Guerrero is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 81 municipalities and its capital city is Chilpancingo....
. In December 2009, Governor of Colima
Governor of Colima
According to the Political Constitution of the Free and Sovereign State of Colima, the exercise of the Executive Power of this Mexican entity is placed in a single individual, called the Constitutional Governor of the Free and Sovereign State of Colima who is chosen for a period of 6 years and is...
Mario Anguiano Moreno agreed to discuss the legalization of civil unions and adoption by same-sex couples in the current legislature.
Same-sex marriage
Mexico City
On 24 November 2009, PRD assemblyman David Razú proposed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriageSame-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
in Mexico City. Luis González Plascencia, chairman of the Humans Rights Commission of Mexico City, backed the bill and said that it was up to the Legislative Assembly to consider LGBT adoption. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is an international organization bringing together more than 750 LGBTI groups from around the world. It continues to be active in campaigning for LGBT rights on the international human rights and civil rights scene and...
(ILGA), International Amnesty (AI), the AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Foundation , the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 152,000 individuals in 26 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia-Pacific Region and Eastern Europe...
and over 600 non-governmental organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
s supported the legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico City. The PAN has announced it will either go to the courts to appeal the law or demand a referendum
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
. However, a referendum on same-sex marriage was rejected by the Legislative Assembly in a 36-22 vote on 18 December 2009. On 21 December 2009, the Legislative Assembly legalized same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage in Mexico City
Same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico City —the Federal District of Mexico— having been approved by its Legislative Assembly on 21 December 2009, and signed into law by Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard on 29 December 2009...
(39-20) in Mexico City. The bill changes the definition of marriage in the city's Civil Code
Civil code
A civil code is a systematic collection of laws designed to comprehensively deal with the core areas of private law. A jurisdiction that has a civil code generally also has a code of civil procedure...
from "a free union between a man and a woman" to "a free union between two people." The law would grant same-sex couples the same rights as opposite-sex couples, including adopting children. The PAN vowed to challenge the law in the courts. On 29 December 2009, Head of Government
Head of Government of the Federal District
The Head of Government wields executive power in the Mexican Federal District.The Head of Government serves a six-year term, running concurrently with that of the President of the Republic....
Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Ebrard
Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón is the current Head of Government of the Federal District since December 5, 2006. He is a Mexican politician affiliated to the Party of the Democratic Revolution who served as Secretary-General of the former Mexican Federal District Department, minister of public...
signed the bill into law, which became effective on 4 March 2010. On August 5, the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation is the highest federal court in the United Mexican States. It consists of a President of the Supreme Court and ten Ministers who are confirmed by the Senate from a list proposed by the President of the Republic.Justices of the SCJN serve for fifteen...
voted 8-2 to uphold the constitutionality of Mexico City's same-sex marriage law. The Court later ruled on August 10, 2010, that Mexico City marriages are valid throughout the entire country.
| Political party | Members | Yes | No | Abstain | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party of the Democratic Revolution The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International... |
34 | 34 | |||
National Action Party (Mexico) The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the... |
15 | 15 | |||
Institutional Revolutionary Party The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few... |
8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | |
Labor Party (Mexico) The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya.... |
5 | 5 | |||
Ecologist Green Party of Mexico The Ecologist Green Party of Mexico is one of the six political parties to have representation in the Mexican Congress. The party's congressional strength currently stands at 17 deputies and five senators .-Elections 2000:... |
3 | 3 | |||
New Alliance Party (Mexico) The New Alliance Party is one of the newest political parties in Mexico.Its creation was proposed by the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación , the largest trade union in Latin America, led by Elba Esther Gordillo, the controversial former general secretary of the Institutional... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Total | 66 | 39 | 20 | 5 | 2 |
Yucatán
On the other hand, in the southeastern state of YucatánYucatán
Yucatán officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Yucatán is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 106 municipalities and its capital city is Mérida....
, the local Congress overwhelmingly approved a ban on same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
in a 24–1 vote on 21 July 2009. The law raised heterosexual marriage and families
Family
In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children...
to the constitutional level via the approval of amendments to the state's Civil Code
Civil code
A civil code is a systematic collection of laws designed to comprehensively deal with the core areas of private law. A jurisdiction that has a civil code generally also has a code of civil procedure...
. The bill was promoted by right-wing organization Pro Yucatán Network to reject all efforts by people of the same sex to form a family and adopt children. PAN politicians justified the ban alleging that "there still aren't adequate conditions within Yucatán society to allow for unions between people of the same sex." The event led to protest
Protest
A protest is an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations...
s outside the local Congress by LGBT organizations, whose leaders are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation
Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation is the highest federal court in the United Mexican States. It consists of a President of the Supreme Court and ten Ministers who are confirmed by the Senate from a list proposed by the President of the Republic.Justices of the SCJN serve for fifteen...
.
| Political party | Members | Yes | No | Abstain | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Revolutionary Party Institutional Revolutionary Party The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few... |
14 | 14 | |||
| National Action Party National Action Party (Mexico) The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the... |
9 | 9 | |||
| Party of the Democratic Revolution Party of the Democratic Revolution The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Labor Party Labor Party (Mexico) The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya.... / ConvergenceConvergence (Mexico) Convergence is a political party in Mexico. It was previously known as Convergence for Democracy but the party assembly decided, in August 2002, to adopt the shorter form of its name.Convergence was founded as a "national political grouping" in 1997... |
1 | 1 | |||
| Total | 25 | 24 | 1 | ||
Other states
After Mexico City's Legislative Assembly legalized same-sex marriages and LGBT adoption in December 2009, debate resurged in states where civil unions had been previously proposed. In the western state of MichoacánMichoacán
Michoacán officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Michoacán de Ocampo is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 113 municipalities and its capital city is Morelia...
, the PRD has announced it will propose both bills, along with same-sex civil unions
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
(Law for Coexistence Partnerships) in 2010. In the southeastern state of Tabasco
Tabasco
Tabasco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tabasco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 17 municipalities and its capital city is Villahermosa....
, 20 same-sex couples sent a motion to the state legislature
Congress of Tabasco
The Congress of the State of Tabasco is the legislative branch of the government of the State of Tabasco. The Congress is the governmental deliberative body of Tabasco, which is equal to, and independent of, the executive...
asking to allow them to marry. The state's largest political parties, the Institutional Revolutionary Party
Institutional Revolutionary Party
The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few...
(PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution
Party of the Democratic Revolution
The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
(PRD), have announced their support for same-sex marriage in the 2010 agenda. In the northwestern state of Sonora
Sonora
Sonora officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sonora is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 72 municipalities; the capital city is Hermosillo....
, an initiative to allow same-sex couples to marry has been delivered to the state's Congress by former Labor Party
Labor Party (Mexico)
The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya....
candidate for governor, Miguel Angel Haro Moren, who expects the bill to be well-received by the lawmakers "because the Sonoran society is not conservative, but rather, the political class", Haro said. In Morelos
Morelos
Morelos officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Morelos is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 33 municipalities and its capital city is Cuernavaca....
, bills concerning same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples are expected to be proposed by the Labor Party
Labor Party (Mexico)
The Labor Party is a nationally recognized political party in Mexico. It was founded on December 8, 1990. The party is currently led by Alberto Anaya....
(PT) in mid-2010.
Public opinion
In a Parametría poll, conducted from 17 November to 20 November 2006, 1,200 Mexican adults were asked if they would support a constitutional amendment that would legalize same-sex marriageSame-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
in Mexico. 17% responded yes, 61% said no and 14% had no opinion. The same poll showed 28% in support of same-sex civil unions
Same-sex union
Same-sex unions are legal or religious unions between two persons of the same sex.In legal contexts, their recognition varies based upon the region in which the union is formed. Some regions allow same-sex marriage, civil marriage between two persons of the same sex. Others recognize civil unions...
, 41% were opposed and 28% had no opinion. From 27 November to 30 November 2009, major Mexican newspaper El Universal
El Universal (Mexico City)
El Universal is a major Mexican newspaper.El Universal was founded by Félix Palavicini and Emilio Rabasa in October 1916, in the city of Santiago de Queretaro to cover the end of the Mexican Revolution and the creation of the new Mexican Constitution...
polled 1,000 Mexico City citizens concerning the legalization of same-sex marriage in the city. 50% supported it, 38% were against it and 12% had no idea. The same poll showed that support was stronger among the youngest population (age: 18–29), 67%, and weaker among the oldest (age: 50-onwards), 38%. With 48% the most cited reason was "right of choice" for the supporters, followed by "everybody is equal" with 14%. 39% of the opposers cited "it is not normal" as the main reason to not support same-sex marriage, followed by "we lose values" with 18%.
Guillermo Bustamante Manilla, a PAN member and president of UNPF, as well as the father of Guillermo Bustamante Artasánchez, a law director of the Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of the Interior (Mexico)
The Mexican Secretary of the Interior is the head of the Secretariat of the Interior, concerned with the country's internal affairs, the presentation of the president's bills to Congress, their publication and certain issues of national security. The country's main intelligence agency, CISEN,...
, opposes abortion and same-sex civil unions and has called the latter as "anti-natural." He has publicly asked voters not to cast votes for "abortionists" parties and those who are in favor of homosexual relationships.
See also
- Same-sex marriage in Mexico CitySame-sex marriage in Mexico CitySame-sex marriage is legal in Mexico City —the Federal District of Mexico— having been approved by its Legislative Assembly on 21 December 2009, and signed into law by Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard on 29 December 2009...
- Same-sex marriageSame-sex marriageSame-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
- Status of same-sex marriageStatus of same-sex marriageThe status of same-sex marriage changes frequently as legislation and legal action takes place around the world. Summarized in this article are the current trends and consensus of political authorities and religions throughout the world.-Civil recognition:...
- Same-sex marriage legislation around the worldSame-sex marriage legislation around the worldSame-sex marriage is currently carried out throughout ten countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, and Argentina. Six U.S. states and one U.S. district perform same-sex marriages, those being Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New...
- Timeline of same-sex marriageTimeline of same-sex marriageThis page contains a timeline of significant events regarding same-sex marriage and legal recognition of same-sex couples worldwide in modern history, followed by a timeline of notable same-sex marriages and unions. Also, events concerning same-sex marriages are listed in bold.-2011:* October 25: ...
- Civil unionCivil unionA civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
- LGBT rights in Mexico
- LGBT rights in the AmericasLGBT rights in the AmericasLesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights are complex in the Americas. The British, French, Spanish and Portuguese colonists, who settled most of the Americas, brought Christianity from Europe...
- LGBT rights in the world
- Timeline of LGBT historyTimeline of LGBT historyThe following is a timeline of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender related history.-9660 to 5000 BC:* Mesolithic rock art in Sicily depicts phallic male figures in pairs that have been interpreted variously, including as depictions of homosexual intercourse.-7000 to 1700 BC:*Among the sexual...
- 2006 in LGBT rights
- 2007 in LGBT rights2007 in LGBT rightsThis is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the year 2007.-January:* 1** Registered partnerships begin in Switzerland.** Equality Act Regulations comes into effect in Northern Ireland....
- 2009 in LGBT rights2009 in LGBT rightsThis is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the year 2009.-February:* 1 — Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir becomes prime minister of Iceland, the first openly gay head of government in the modern world....
External links
- Law for Coexistence Partnerships (Mexico City)—full text.
- Civil Pact of Solidarity (Coahuila)—full text.