On October 26, 2022, Mexico took a decisive step toward equal rights. With the approval of same-sex marriage in Tamaulipas, all couples in the country gained the legal right to marry, regardless of their sexual orientation.
This change didn’t happen overnight. Since Mexico City became the first entity to legalize it on March 4, 2010, it took more than 12 years for this right to be recognized nationwide. Tamaulipas, the last state to approve it, had over 140 legal appeals from couples demanding their right to marry, highlighting the legal and social struggle behind this victory.
A Gradual Nationwide Shift
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico was a gradual process. Quintana Roo approved it in 2012, followed by states like Coahuila (2014), Chihuahua, and Nayarit (2015). Over the years, more states joined, until in 2022, Guerrero and Tamaulipas completed the list, ensuring this right in all 32 states.
This progress is not only a legal victory but also a social and cultural one. Since 2015, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) had declared that any prohibition of same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Although some state legislatures delayed passing laws, social pressure and legal appeals from couples helped drive the changes.
Impact on Marriage Statistics
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the number of heterosexual marriages has declined over the past decade, while same-sex marriages have increased. In 2010, only 689 same-sex marriages were registered nationwide. By 2021, this figure had risen to over 4,300.
Divorce rates have followed a similar trend. In 2014, only 41 same-sex couples divorced, but by 2021, the number had grown to 441. This shows that same-sex marriages, like any other, face challenges and relationship dynamics similar to those of heterosexual couples.
Beyond Legalization
While the nationwide approval of same-sex marriage is a major milestone, challenges remain in LGBTQ+ rights. Issues such as same-sex adoption, workplace inclusion, and eliminating discrimination are still ongoing battles.
However, the fact that all couples can now marry without legal obstacles reflects a more inclusive Mexico. Today, love and commitment are legally recognized regardless of gender, marking another step toward a more just and equal society.
Source: Gaceta UNAM, 2022.
