Mexico City’s law legalizing same-sex marriage took effect March 4 and hundreds of gay and lesbian couples applied for marriage licenses at civil-registry offices.
The first weddings are expected around March 12 when the couples’ documents have been processed.
The law, which passed the Legislative Assembly in a 39-20 vote on Dec. 21, redefined marriage as “the free uniting of two people.” It also legalized adoption by same-sex couples.
By law, marriages entered into in Mexico City must be recognized elsewhere in the nation.
On March 14, a mass gay wedding is planned in the city’s Cuauhtémoc district. Local officials said some 300 couples will tie the knot.
By Rex Wockner
