The Government of Mexico, through the Senate, has approved reform of the social security structure to allow same-sex couples greater benefits under the law.
The proposal, which advanced with an absolute majority, will allow same-sex couples to enjoy the same economic benefits, widow’s pensions, and medical services as heterosexual couples, who until now have been the only beneficiaries under the country’s social security laws.
Now the reform will move to the Chamber of Deputies for a vote. In the Senate, it has been promoted by the Morena party, to which the elected president, Manuel López Obrador belongs and has also been supported by some traditionally conservative groups, such as the Social Encounter Party (PES), a political wing that is typically seen as a family-first party.
LGTBI groups of the country have shown their support of the Senate’s move to bring rights to the community that are currently enjoyed by the rest of the population.
“It is a historic decision that also sends an important political message,” said the director of the YAAJ association, Iván Tagle.
Three years ago, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that same-sex unions were protected by the Constitution. However, the president, Enrique Peña Nieto, tried to recognize same-sex marriage at the federal level in 2016, most of the deputies rejected his effort and said it was the decision of that states.
