South Africa and Mexico City more progressive than the US

South African Panel OKs Gay Marriage

A parliamentary committee approved proposals for same-sex marriages in South Africa on Thursday, clearing the way for the passage of legislation that would be unique on a deeply conservative continent.

The compromise, reached after heated public debate, upset religious groups, traditionalists and even some members of the governing African National Congress while gay rights activists said it didn’t go far enough.

“It’s been a very difficult time. It was a major challenge,’’ said Patrick Chauke, chairman of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee, which spent weeks touring the country to gauge public opinion and received nearly 6,000 written comments.

The civil unions bill will go to a full session of parliament Tuesday. Despite the unease in the ANC ranks, it is expected to pass as lawmakers have been ordered to follow the party line and told there is little room for maneuver.

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Mexico City Authorizes Same-Sex Civil Unions

Mexico City’s assembly yesterday voted for the first time in the country’s history to legally recognize gay civil unions, a measure that will provide same-sex couples with benefits similar to those of married couples.

The mayor was expected to sign the measure into law.

The bill, which does not approve gay marriage, allows same-sex couples to register their union with civil authorities, granting them inheritance and pension rights, as well as other social benefits.

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I am annoyed that we continue to fall behind the rest of the world on issues such as this. And let’s face it, when you think of progressive places, South Africa and Mexico don’t usually come to the top of the list.