President asks Congress to change the constitution to guarantee adults the right to marry without restrictions based on gender, sexual preference or other reasons.
ADVERTISEMENTThe president of Mexico has proposed allowing same-sex marriage across the country.
Enrique Pena Nieto has “announced the signing of a reform initiative which includes the recognition of the right to get married without any form of discrimination.”
Firmé iniciativas de reforma para impulsar que el #MatrimonioIgualitario quede plasmado en la Constitución y en el Código Civil Federal.
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) May 17, 2016
The President’s office has asked Congress to change the Mexican constitution to guarantee adults the right to marry without restrictions based on gender, sexual preference or other reasons.
What is the current situation?
At present, legislation in Mexico is patchy.
Same-sex marriage is already permitted in:
- Mexico City
- Coahuila State
- Quintana Roo
- Jalisco
- Nayarit
- Chihuahua
- Sonora
However, there is no federal uniformity. The decision, if passed by Congress, will force all states to come into line.
Mexico leader proposes constitutional reform to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide https://t.co/Nr1WjORPtQpic.twitter.com/YmBY2zvL8V
— AFP news agency (@AFP) May 17, 2016
Couples must file legal challenges case-by-case to get married.
Same-sex marriage remains illegal in many of Mexico’s 31 states.
Mexico’s Supreme Court said last year that laws restricting marriage to a man and a woman were unconstitutional.
A Supreme Court judge urged states to legalise gay marriage.
What they are saying
“Marriage will be allowed without discrimination, regardless of ethnicity, disability, social conditions, health conditions, religion, gender or sexual preference,” – Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.