Do ALL families in Mexico have the same rights?
For hundreds of thousands of people, the answer is no.
Same-sex couples and LGBT+ families continue to face laws and regulations that make it harder – or even impossible – to be legally recognized as a family.
In which states in Mexico can same-sex couples adopt or register their children without discrimination? Where do outdated laws still deny basic rights?
This report analyzes all 32 civil codes across the country to expose how legal barriers harm diverse families, and what can be done to change that.
*Report available in spanish only.
Whether you're a same-sex couple dreaming of starting a family, an LGBT+ activist fighting for equality, or a government official shaping policy – this report is essential reading.
A state-by-state analysis
How inclusive are the laws for diverse families in Mexico?
Green states:
Laws are free of discriminatory language and recognize diverse families.
Yellow states:
Laws are vague or incomplete – rights may be denied in practice.
Red states:
Laws still include openly discriminatory language that excludes LGBT+ families.
Between February and March 2025, 214 people shared their personal stories and struggles as part of an online survey on life as a diverse family in Mexico.
214 responses from LGBT+ people across 30 states
people believe that if they were to have children, they would face some type of discrimination as an LGBT+ family.
people have already faced some form of discrimination for being an LGBT+ family.
people think that the Mexican government does not actively take actions to protect diverse families.
EXCLUSION WRITTEN INTO THE LAW
In several Civil and Family Codes across Mexico, the language of the law still excludes same-sex couples. This legal erasure means many LGBT+ families are denied basic rights, like adopting or registering their children, simply because the law refuses to recognize them.
DISCRIMINATION IN REGISTRY OFFICES
Even when the law is inclusive, discrimination doesn’t stop. Civil registry offices often misinterpret or ignore the law – blocking same-sex couples from registering their families and denying them the recognition they deserve.
FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN STATE GOVERNMENTS
It is a priority to modify the Civil Codes and family laws to explicitly include diverse families.
Additionally, anti-discrimination protocols should be developed and enforced in civil registries and public institutions.
If you are a legislator or work with the government, this report will help you take action in favor of diverse families.
FOR CIVIL SOCIETY
If you work in activism or are part of an LGBT+ organization, you can launch your own petition to mobilize your local community.
Launching a petition in favor of the rights of diverse families in your state will put pressure on lawmakers to make changes to the laws.
It is also vital to continue providing legal assistance to families facing discrimination and to report cases of non-compliance with inclusive laws.
Be part of the movement for diverse families in Mexico.
Activists across the country are standing up, state by state, to demand recognition and rights for LGBT+ families. Add your voice. Sign the petitions. Help this movement grow.
Government of Jalisco: Stop Attacking Rainbow Families!
Mexico: Demand an LGBT+ Protocol in Yucatán Now!
Equal rights for all families in Baja California Sur
Get to know these testimonies
"They didn't allow my daughters' other mom to visit them in the hospital or make any decisions for them when they were born. Only I could, and I had just had a C-section, so I had to be moving around and going from one place to another."
- Testimony of a lesbian mother from Mexico
