Mexico City approves gay civil unions

[deadparrot]

MEXICO CITY - Mexico City's assembly on Thursday voted for the first time in the country's history to legally recognize gay civil unions, a measure that will provide same-sex couples with benefits similar to those of married couples. The mayor was expected to sign the measure into law.

The bill, which does not approve gay marriage, allows same-sex couples to register their union with civil authorities, granting them inheritance and pension rights, as well as other social benefits. Lawmakers were still finalizing the details.

Heterosexual couples who are not legally married can also be registered under the legislation.

The bill was severely criticized by the Catholic Church and conservative civil groups. It passed by a vote of 43-17, with all the opposition coming from the National Action Party of President Vicente Fox and president-elect Felipe Calderon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061109/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/mexico_gay_unions

[slestak]

1. OH HELL YES

[Change has come]

The good news just keeps coming!

:applause: :woohoo: :applause:

[terrya]

2. Excellent!

Christ, even we gay people in Chicago don't have that...

My congratulations to the gay and lesbian people of Mexico City. And while it is NOT marriage, this is pretty damn impressive. :thumbsup:

[cboy4]

3. We heard a lot about a tsunami sweeping the country on election

night....I hope this is part of a gay tsunami!

For something like this to happen in very Catholic Mexico, wow.


On a separate note, good to see the new Mexican President, who stole the election down there, is showing his true ugliness.

[Justitia]

4. That is HUGE coming from VERY conservative Mexico City. -eom

[porphyrian]

5. That beats a stick in the eye. - n/t