9 November 2006Truthdig
In the face of heated opposition, Mexico City’s Assembly passed legislation allowing gays the rights and privileges of civil unions. Mayor Alejandro Encinas is expected to endorse the law, which will also offer protection to heterosexual couples.
Under the law, Mexico City’s gay couples who register their union with civil authorities will gain access to inheritance and pension rights.
Unmarried heterosexual couples can also register under the same law.
Gay civil unions have yet to be approved by local legislators in any other part of Mexico.
A similar bill is being debated by lawmakers in Mexico’s northern state of Coahuila, bordering Texas.
