The Houston Family Law Blog


Many Gay Couples Now Getting Married in Mexico City

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The legislature of Mexico City passed the first law in Latin America allowing marriage between same-sex couples last month, giving gay marriages the same status as heterosexual ones in the federal district. Since the law took effect on March 4, Associated Press reports that 88 same-sex couples have so far tied the knot in Mexico's capital.

Of the newly married same-sex couples, 50 were reported to be male couples and 38 were reported to be female couples. There are also currently 37 more same-sex couples that are scheduled to be married in Mexico City between April and June of this year.

The state of Texas outlawed gay marriage in 2005 through an adopted amendment to the state's Constitution that was approved by Texas voters, according to the Washington Post. While some Texas family law attorneys may someday challenge the constitutional ban, Texas voters clearly rejected the rights of same-sex couples with a 76 percent approval rate. Before 2005, the state of Texas also did not permit same-sex marriages, but the constitutional amendment was touted as an extra guard against future court rulings.

Around the United States, there seems to be a debate about same-sex marriages. This could be the one of the main reasons why there are very few states or other jurisdictions that allow gay couples to get married. FindLaw states that only Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa and the District of Columbia allow for gay marriages.

Some other U.S states allow for civil unions or domestic partnerships; which carry many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage.

Related Resources:

  • Same-Sex Marriage Making Strides (FindLaw's KnowledgeBase)
  • Same-Sex Marriage Pros and Cons (FindLaw)
  • Contact a Houston Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)

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