Mexico's Supreme Court paves way for same-sex marriage

The path to legalizing same-sex marriage has taken a variety of different routes in numerous countries.

In many countries, provinces or states legalized same-sex marriage before it was nationally legalized. Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by referendum.

In Mexico, the Supreme Court effectively legalized same-sex marriage with a landmark legal ruling on June 3. The Supreme Court ruled that state laws restricting marriage licenses only to heterosexual couples is discriminatory.

While no official legislation has been introduced to parliament, the court ruling sets a precedent that will require all other courts in the country to follow suit.

Although civil registry authorities can still block same-sex couples, couples can appeal to the courts, which can become a costly and lengthy process.

Mexico City, a federal district, had legalized same-sex marriage in 2009. Only one of the country's 31 states, Coahuila, previously legalized same-sex marriage (in 2007).