07202015Mon
Last updateFri, 17 Jul 2015 4pm
CP Electronics

17 same-sex couples seek married bliss

Eight same-sex couples turned up at Guadalajara's registry office "number one" last Friday morning to submit formal marriage applications. Another nine applications from other couples had previously been submitted, making a total of 17.

The couples were inspired to file the applications following a recent ruling by Mexico's Supreme Court that determines state laws that deny same-sex couples the right to wed to be discriminatory.  

Union Diversa, the local NGO that is advising and supporting the couples, hopes local registrars will adhere to this ruling, but is ready to take further action if  the applications are denied. Civil registries operate under the guidance of the Jalisco Civil Code, which has yet to be revised and still dictates that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

According to Union Diversa's Carlos Becerra, if any of the applications are rejected, the couples will immediately file amparos (appeals) with a district judge. 

Under the wording of the recent Supreme Court decision,  the judges will be obliged to rule in favor of the couples. Registrars will then have no legal outlet other than to honor these rulings and emit marriages licenses for the couples.

Union Diversa estimates the process could take about a month and a half.