Mexico\'s Resistance to Gay Marriage

¶ … Mexico's Resistance to Gay Marriage Rights

The same social and cultural struggle that is going on in the United States relative to the issue of gay marriage rights is happening in Mexico, perhaps even to a higher degree. The arguments that are used to support the fundamental Christian pushback against gay marriage are flawed in many ways (Lauer and Lauer, 2004, pp. 211). The U.S. government, guaranteeing everyone equal rights and equal access to the law in their pursuit of happiness. The argument that gay marriage will destroy heterosexual marriages or the institution of marriage is an opinion. In the court of law in Mexico, just as in the United States, every citizen is protected under equal protection. But this equal protection is not something that is assumed, given the unequal nature of the social and cultural power distribution in the United States (Lauer and Lauer, 2004, pp. 257).

The resistance to gay marriage legislation in Mexico, while similar to the resistance in the U.S., is understandable, given the cultural and social background of the Mexican people. The high prevalence of Catholics and other Christian denominations sets the stage for intolerance toward homosexuals. The desire to change, no matter how strong, is being countered by the strong desire for tradition, religious or otherwise. Studies have shown that around the world, children who are adopted by same-sex couples have better access to resources and necessities that make them more likely to succeed and be a more productive part of society (Lauer and Lauer, 2004, pp. 211). Children who are adopted into these scenarios are far less likely to be involved in crime, and have a more well-rounded conception of gender identity.