Same-sex unions cannot be equated with marriage between man and woman: Church

The Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM) recognized that there are a great diversity of families; however, it said that unions between same-sex couples cannot be equated with marriage.

Through a statement, the CEM asked lawmakers to thoroughly study all the effects that the legalization of gay marriage nationwide could bring. 

"We believe that it is necessary to study carefully the effects of same-sex unions on society." the CEM said.

The CEM reiterated that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be respected and treated with compassion and sensitivity, avoiding any kind of discrimination, particularly any form of aggression and violence.

"Only the exclusive and indissoluble union between a man and a woman has a full social function, because it is a stable commitment and makes possible procreation, we recognize the great variety of family situations that can provide some stability, but same-sex unions, for example, cannot simply be equated with marriage. No precarious union assures us the future of society,” it added.

President Enrique Peña Nieto proposed to legalize same-sex marriage in Mexico on Tuesday.