The marriages of same-sex couples performed in Mexico City must be recognized by all Mexican states, the country's supreme court ruled Tuesday.
Though Mexico's 31 states now must recognize such unions from Mexico City, none are required to sanction gay marriages performed within their locales.
The court ruled last week that the Mexico City law permitting marriage rights for same-sex couples is constitutional, rejecting an appeal by federal prosecutors, who argued that it violated mandates to protect the family.
In a 9-2 vote, the supreme court found that states are obligated to honor legal contracts formed elsewhere in the country, the Associated Press reports.
Mexico City legalized gay marriage in March, and it includes the right for same-sex couples to adopt children.
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