Mexico to consider allowing all consulates to perform same-sex marriages for Mexican citizens living abroad
Currently same-sex marriages are not recognised in all Mexican states
By Steve Brown
Mexico is considering allowing all consulates to be able to perform same-sex marriages for Mexican citizens living abroad.
Senator Jose Alejandro Pena Villa introduced a reform to the Foreign Service Law which would allow consular offices to authorise and issue marriage certificates to all couples, regardless of their gender, LGBTQ Nation reported.
Many consulates have denied same-sex marriages with some arguing that they lack the facilities to conduct same-sex marriages.
Last week, Villa said in his presentation of the initiative: “According to the Law of the Mexican Foreign Service and its Regulations, the consular authorities are authorised to act as judges of the Civil Registry and, therefore, have the power to take birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as to issue the certified copy correspondent.”
In 2015, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional in some states of the country, including Mexico City, Baja California, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Morena and in parts of Oaxaca and Quintana Roo.
However, if the new reform is passed, thousands of Mexican citizens could marry their same-sex partners abroad even if their home states don’t recognise same-sex marriages.
Villa continued: “In Morena, we are convinced and committed to the human rights agenda.
“We have a different direction and we have an inclusive policy.”
The proposal has been presented to the Foreign Affairs and Second Legislative Studies commissions for additional stud before going to a vote.