Mexico's President Just Took a Historic Stand on Same-Sex Marriage and Trans Rights

On Tuesday, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a constitutional reform paving the way for same-sex marriage and transgender rights. According to Reuters, the reform initiative will allow the country's transgender residents to change the gender on their birth certificates so that it corresponds with their gender identity.

The initiative follows closely on the heels of Colombia's legislation on the issue in April. The two nations join fellow Latin American countries Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil in granting same-sex couples full marital rights.

The Citizen reported that the mandate arrives on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which Peña Nieto officially recognized in 2014 in a presidential decree. 

According to the outlet, Pena Nieto said at an event honoring the day, "This way, equal marriage will be clear in our constitution."

Correction: May 17, 2016