Back in December of 2009, the capital city of Mexico City legalized same-sex marriage in Mexico. Today we learn that the Mexican Supreme Court has ruled on that legalization by ordering that all 31 Mexican states recognize the same-sex weddings that have been and will be performed in Mexico City. For example, the US state of New York has legalized same-sex marriage but the other 49 US states are not required to recognize those marriages. Because of this ruling, same-sex couples who get married in Mexico City and then move to another state will be afforded the same rights as married heterosexual couples anywhere in the country of Mexico. This is amazing!
Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that all 31 states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in the capital, though its decision does not force those states to begin marrying gay couples in their territory. In a 9-2 decision, the tribunal cited an article of the constitution requiring states to recognize legal contracts drawn up elsewhere. It did not specify what degree of recognition must be granted to same-sex couples. Mexico City’s same-sex marriage law, enacted in March, extends to wedded gay couples the right to adopt children, to jointly apply for bank loans, to inherit wealth and to be covered by their spouses’ insurance policies. Some of those may end up applying only in the capital. The Supreme Court ruled last week that same-sex weddings are constitutional – though it is holding separate discussions this week on the adoption clause. One of the justices, Sergio Aguirre, argued against adoptions by same-sex couples Tuesday, saying children might suffer discrimination as a result.
UGH, the adoption issue is a different matter altogether. That a Supreme Court Justice would argue against the enforcement of someone’s rights because of the fear of discrimination is the most insane thing I’ve ever heard … BUT, let’s focus instead on the happy news here. We are seeing that in countries all around the world, the simple matter of same-sex marriage is becoming no issue at all. Same-sex couples are afforded the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples in a growing numer of international cities and countries. While the US, the land of the free and home of the brave, should be leading the way in the advancement of legal protection for its citizens we continue to watch as other countries take the lead. Still, marriage equality will come to the US. It has to. Justice, freedom and liberty demands that marriage equality will come to the entire United States of America. But, until that day comes, I guess we can look to the leadership of other countries to see how they treat all of their citizens. Hopefully soon, we will finally get it right for our very own US citizens in their own country.
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“children might suffer discrimination as a result” is sad but true considering it’s Mexico. adopting a child into a homosexual home is not gonna be all sunshine, or some hollywood celebrity adoption into a 2mil mansion. But good news for mexico overall, taco party.
@fmx — Yes, but for a legal scholar to base their ruling on a matter of discrimination is absurd. The law is blind. The best way to battle discrimination is to legalize same-sex adoption.
You’re right, it’s a clause based on intimidation. I don’t know how mexican adoptions work, I would just hope that it would result in both parties living in a safe and stable household, and if the child is of age has some say in the decision. There is certain parents out there no matter if they’re same sex or straight are not perfect, so for that reason only I think it’s important that adoptive children should be able to have a good relationship with any prospective parent and not just plucked out of a poor orphanage.
@fmx – with all due respect, I strongly disagree with you.
* “children might suffer discrimination as a result” is sad but true considering it’s Mexico – The fact that it’s in Mexico, does not mean they will be more or less discriminated against than in the US. Yes, Mexico is a much more conservative country than the US (specially when it comes to religion) but as Trent said, there’ve been major advances when it comes to equality just as in anyother part of the world.
* “adopting a child into a homosexual home is not gonna be all sunshine, or some hollywood celebrity adoption into a 2mil mansion” – Adopting a child into a straight home wouldn’t necessarily be one either. What I mean is the economics are no different when it comes to straight or gay families trying to adopt, so I don’t think that’s even the point here.
If a family has the economical and psycological possibilities to adopt, love and take care of a child, it shouldn’t make a difference if it’s a straight or gay family, living in the Hollywood Hills or Guadalajara.
“I would just hope that it would result in both parties living in a safe and stable household, and if the child is of age has some say in the decision.” isn’t that what I said? Though the fact that it’s in mexico also means despite protection laws the police are less likely to impose protection considering they frequently violate and torture under basic human rights. I think it’s great Mexico is moving forward with laws that not even the US has been able to reach in part but the lax human rights efforts in mexico no matter how great some parents can be in the home they can’t control the outside social circumstances, or protect their kid behind a security facility.
If Justice Aguirre were honestly concerned that children of same-sex couples “might suffer discrimination” (and I’m not buying it), then he should oppose adoptions by blacks, Jews, etc., since their children are also likely to “suffer”.