Mexico City Approves Gay Marriage
Pastor Dale Morgan
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Nov 9, 5:32 PM EST
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Mexico City Approves Gay Marriage*
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexico City's assembly on Thursday voted for the
first time in the country's history to legally recognize gay civil
unions, proving homosexual couples in the country's largest city 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, has been heavily
criticized by the Catholic Church and conservative civil groups.
The law allows gay couples to voluntarily register their union with
civil authorities, granting them inheritance and pension rights and
other social benefits.
The legislative assembly approved the measure 43-17, with five
absentions, with all of the opponents from the conservative National
Action Party of President Vicente Fox and President-elect Felipe
Calderon. The party is known for its opposition to abortion and its
support for "traditional" families.