Change is slower in the hinterlands, however, and even in large cities, discomfort with change often leads to backlashes. This is most marked in the largest metropolitan areas, such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana, where education and access to foreigners and foreign news media are greatest. As the influence of foreign and domestic cultures (especially from more cosmopolitan areas like Mexico City) grows throughout Mexico, attitudes are changing. Tolerance of sexual diversity in certain indigenous cultures is widespread, especially among Isthmus Zapotecs and Yucatán Mayas. Laws against public immorality or indecency, however, have been used to prosecute persons who engage in them. The intellectual influence of the French Revolution and the brief French occupation of Mexico (1862–67) resulted in the adoption of the Napoleonic Code, which decriminalized same-sex sexual acts in 1871. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) rights in Mexico have expanded in recent years, in keeping with worldwide legal trends.
Joint adoption legal in Mexico City and 17 states Same-sex marriage in Mexico City and 25 states (recognized nationwide) Sexual orientation protection nationwide since 2003 ( see below) In practice, however, outed LGBT soldiers are subject to severe harassment and are often discharged. Officially, there is no law or policy preventing them from serving, and applicants are not questioned on the subject. Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name in Mexico City and 12 statesĪmbiguous, LGBT soldiers are in a "legal limbo".