Mexico House of Reps Backs Benefits for Gay Couples

The Mexican house of representatives voted Tuesday to amend rules governing social security benefits for gay and lesbian couples, the Associated Press reports.

In a 232 to 58 vote, the house endorsed a rule change for the Social Security Institute, which provides benefits to both private and government employees. The senate has yet to vote on the measure.

In August the Mexico supreme court upheld a law granting marriage equality in Mexico City. Unions performed in the Mexican capital must also be recognized in all 31 Mexican states, the court ruled, though no state is required to sanction gay marriages performed outside Mexico City.