March 15, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Mexican adults are divided on the way to acknowledge gay and lesbian partnerships, according to a poll by Consulta Mitofsky. 45.7 per cent of respondents believe homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, while 47.3 per cent disagree.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Mexican adults are divided on the way to acknowledge gay and lesbian partnerships, according to a poll by Consulta Mitofsky. 45.7 per cent of respondents believe homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, while 47.3 per cent disagree.

In November, Mexico City became the first municipality in the Latin American country to legally recognize same-sex partners. The local legislature, dominated by the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), voted 43-17 to grant specific pension and inheritance rights to gay and lesbian couples. These same-sex unions will not be called marriage, and homosexual partners will remain unable to adopt children.

In January, the northern state of Coahuila passed legislation which effectively gives same-sex couples property and inheritance rights, which were usually reserved for married heterosexuals. At least 58 per cent of respondents in the country believe gay or lesbian couples should not be able to get married or adopt children.

Earlier this month, federal PRD lawmaker David Sánchez expressed satisfaction with the recent changes, saying, "There is going to be a domino effect across the country. This movement cannot be stopped."

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada and South Africa, and at least 18 countries offer some form of legal recognition to same sex unions.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

	Agree	Disagree	Not sure
Homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples	45.7%	47.3%	7.0%
Two homosexual women should be allowed to adopt a child	33.6%	58.2%	8.2%
A homosexual couple should be allowed to get married	32.5%	58.3%	9.2%
Two homosexual men should be allowed to adopt a child	22.9%	68.5%	8.6%

Source: Consulta Mitofsky
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,000 Mexican adults, conducted from Feb. 16 to Feb. 20, 2007. Margin of error is 4 per cent.