Gay Couple Unite in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY (AP) — An economist and a journalist became the first couple united under Mexico City's new gay civil union law Friday, kissing while an orchestra played "Besame Mucho" and police guarded their white wedding tent filled with guests.

The new law, which took effect on Friday, grants same-sex couples similar social benefits as legally married heterosexual couples. It reflects a growing acceptance of homosexual culture in what has traditionally been a macho society, as well as Mexico City's willingness to join the international debate on gay marriage rights.

The capital city is the second municipality in the country to officially accept gay civil unions, and the first couple to take advantage of the new law were journalist Antonio Medina, 38, and economist Jorge Cerpa, 31.