According to the local Congress, same-sex marriage is now legalized throughout Mexico after Tamaulipas became the last state in the largely Catholic nation to approve it.
The decision of the northern border state brings to an end a 12-year path toward nationwide marriage equality, which began in 2010 when the nation’s capital, Mexico City, became the first to recognize same-sex unions.
The decision was followed by a Supreme Court ruling that a ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional five years later, which prompted state-level reforms.
“The Congress of Tamaulipas approved the reforms to article 132 of the Civil Code for the State, to recognize the right to same-sex marriage,” the institution said in a statement.
“There are no first or second-class people, all people should enjoy this right,” said local congresswoman Nancy Ruiz of the conservative National Action Party (PAN), who promoted the reform.
This year, marriage equality was legalized in seven additional states, three of which happened recently.
According to political scientist and LGBTQ activist Genaro Lozano, marriage equality is still pending “legislative harmonization” in five of Mexico’s 32 states where it has been created by court orders or governor decrees.
Lozano tweeted:
“But it is already a reality throughout Mexico. Thanks to all the activists and legislators who have supported it over the years. ”