Mexico City's legislature has approved civil marriages for homosexuals. It is the first such law passed anywhere in Latin America.

Although other Latin American countries have recognised civil unions between same sex couples, Mexico City is the first to legalise marriage between them. Homosexuals are to be granted the same rights as heterosexuals, including, for example, the right to adopt children.

Same-sex marriage is a sensitive subject in Roman Catholic Mexico. Conservative parties voted against the proposal and religious organisations have called on the mayor of the city, Marcelo Ebrard, to use his veto to block the bill. However, the chances of this happening are thought to be very small.

Photo of Mexico Gay Pride parade in 2009 by starobs (flickr)