Consulate to perform same-sex weddings

CALEXICO — Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign A airs Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon signed an order on Friday instructing the nation’s consulates, including the one here, to allow all citizens, regardless of gender, to marry in their o ces.

The action was taken in conjunction with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, celebrated annually on the same date as that when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990.

“We will be able to provide marriage services to the whole community without limitations regarding sexual preferences,” said Mario Beltran Mainero, consul for community and political a airs at the Mexican Consulate here.

Although same-sex marriage is legal in most Mexican states and has been upheld nationally in Mexican courts, there are regions within the country that still do not recognize or accommodate the unions, Beltran said.

The foreign a airs secretary’s order will expand access to same-sex marriage services for Mexican citizens.

During his speech, Ebrard emphasized that democracy is an essential part of the Mexican identity. He stated that people cannot build a democratic country by excluding a part of society.

Planning is underway to promote public awareness of the service here. “We plan to advocate this to the general public through social media networks and our website,” Beltran said.