Yucatán Increases LGBTQ Protections

Yucatán has become the 22nd Mexican state to modify its constitution to make marriage “the free & voluntary legal union of two people with equal rights, duties & obligations.” The state’s congress also banned so-called conversion therapy which falsely claims to alter individuals’ sexual orientation. Although marriage equality has been legal in Mexico since 2015 when the country’s Supreme Court (SJCN) declared it unconstitutional to prohibit marriage between gay & lesbian couples before this new ruling couples had to apply for a pardon to be married in the state of Yucatán. Mexico’s status as a popular LGBTQ-friendly destination has been reaffirmed in the past three months with the approval of marriage equality not only in Yucatán but in Baja California & Sinaloa as well. State Minister of Tourism Michelle Fridman Hirsch stated, “Making the legal process for same-sex marriages opens up the state of Yucatán to the opportunity to attract even more weddings to our destination a source of economic impact that is welcomed particularly with the pandemic. We celebrate the steps taken by our congress & look forward to continuing our work to offer our visitors a destination that is rich with culture, history, modernity & above all, welcoming and safe to all.” This constitutional change strengthens Yucatán’s potential to evolve into Mexico’s newest LGBTQ+ destination. Yucatán is home to lots of professional wedding planners who can coordinate all details of a gay & lesbian couple’s special day. The international airport of capital city Mérida offers nonstop flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas, San Diego & Oakland/San Francisco.