by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
Mexico City's law legalizing same-sex marriage took effect March 4 and hundreds of gay and lesbian couples applied for marriage licenses at civil registry offices.
The first weddings are expected around March 12 when the couples' documents have been processed.
The law, which passed the Legislative Assembly in a 39-20 vote on Dec. 21, redefined marriage as "the free uniting of two people." It also legalized adoption by same-sex couples.
By law, marriages entered into in Mexico City must be recognized elsewhere in the nation.
On March 14, a mass gay wedding is planned in the city's Cuauhtemoc district. Local officials said some 300 couples will tie the knot.
