COURT GIVES NOD TO MEXICO CITY GAY MARRIAGES

Mexico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Mexico City’s same-sex marriage law can remain in force as it does not contravene the constitution.

In December last year, Mexico City became the first Latin American city to pass legislation legalising same-sex marriage as well as gay adoption.

Thursday’s 8-2 judgement was a relief to the hundreds of same-sex couples who had married after the city began issuing same-sex marriage licenses in March, when the law came into effect.

“It does not appear to me to be unconstitutional. The concept of the family established in the constitution … is an open concept,” said Justice Jose Gudino.

The legislation only applies to Mexico’s capital – with a population of almost 9 million people, and not to the rest of the country.

The court is still to rule on the matter of gay adoption and is expected to issue a judgement early next week.

Last month Argentina became the first country in South America to legalise same-sex marriage rights.