Gay couple unite
under new Mexico City law
By LISA J. ADAMS, AP
from chron.com on the Web, March 19, 2007
MEXICO CITY, Mar. 16 -- An
economist and a journalist became the first couple united under Mexico City's
new gay civil union law, kissing while an orchestra played Besame Mucho and
police cordoned off streets around a white wedding tent filled with guests.
The new law, which took effect today, grants same-sex couples inheritance rights
and social benefits similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.
It reflects a growing acceptance of homosexuality in what has traditionally been
a macho society, as well as a willingness by Mexico City — the second
municipality in the country to legalize same-sex unions — to join the
international debate on gay marriage.
After dating for four years and three months, journalist Antonio Medina, 38, and
economist Jorge Cerpa, 31 were united in front of the government offices for
Mexico City's Iztapalapa borough, signing documents under a banner that read
"Civil Union Law: Your right to choose."
Dozens of supporters, including several couples who plan to register their own
same-sex unions soon, waved rainbow flags, showered the couple with flower
petals and yelled "Bravo!" Firecrackers exploded nearby.
"With this law, a history of exclusion comes to an end," Medina said.
"Today, the love that before did not dare speak its name has now entered the
public spotlight."
The left-dominated legislature of Mexico City, a semi-independent zone with some
of the same powers as states, passed the law in November.
The capital was the first in the predominantly Roman Catholic country to approve
such a law. A similar measure went into effect in January in the northern
state of Coahuila and a lesbian couple registered their union shortly
thereafter.
Coahuila state lawmakers from the conservative party of President Felipe
Calderon have filed a court challenge claiming that gay unions violate
constitutional provisions protecting the family.
The Catholic Church in Mexico also has spoken out forcefully against the law.
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