Health

Mexican culture war over family and sex laws

by Paul Conneally | January 19, 2009 at 12:32 am

2721 views | 10 Recommendations | 1 comment

Of all Latin American countries Mexico has introduced more permissive and liberal laws on same sex union, abortion, divorce and sex education than any other.

The measures have also seen senior citizen sex clinics set up where Viagra can be prescribed and other sexual health matters dealt with.

These measures are now coming under concerted attack from the Catholic Church with local and Vatican based clerics speaking out against the measures which they claim undermine traditional family values.

Through speeches, prayer and music, conservative activists at a Vatican-organized conference have spent recent days making the case that the traditional family is in crisis. For evidence, participants say, just look outside the doors.

Mexico City's government, promoting one of the most liberal visions of the family and sexuality in Latin America and beyond, has enacted laws permitting early-term abortions, express divorces, same-sex civil unions and even free Viagra for seniors.

The measures have fueled a culture war in the middle of this traditionally Catholic country, and the activists say the Vatican conference has offered a chance to push back against policies they say undermine family values.