Legislators from the conservative National Action Party (PAN) say they have not been directed by Roman Catholic leaders to oppose the same-sex union bill currently in the committee stages of the State Congress.
“We are not in agreement with the initiative because it deceives the population … by opening the door to these people being able to adopt children,” said legislator Alberto Esquer Gutierrez.
Esquer admitted PAN legislators have met with Cardinal Francisco Robles, the archbishop of Guadalajara, and discussed the law but said no pressure has been put on his party.Robles Ortega has spoken strongly against the bill, saying it is an attempt to “deceive” people and “disguise” gay marriage.
The bill, introduced by leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) legislator Enrique Velazquez, needs approval from Congress’ Human Rights and Constitutional committees before it can move to the floor of the house. The PAN has representatives on both these committees but has a minority in Congress.
It is unclear whether all legislators of the majority Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) will vote in favor of the same-sex union bill. A possible outcome, say analysts, is that the legislation will pass but without any reference to “marriage” and strict wording to outlaw adoption by same-sex couples.