MEXICO CITY -- The bill legalizing same-sex marriage, passed by Mexico City lawmakers on Dec. 21, become law today.

In the upcoming weeks, several same-sex couples are expected to register to get married.

“With this law - and previous legalization on abortion and some form of euthanasia - the Mexican capital has become a liberal and progressive island in what remains a mostly conservative nation,” said Julian Miglierini, Mexico City BBC correspondent.

Mexico City is one of the first Latin American capitals to allow same-sex marriage. Media reported Wednesday that Argentina had its first legal gay marriage when two men exchanged vows in Buenos Aires, the capital.

Despite the marriage victory for Mexican gay and lesbian couples, a federal same-sex marriage law remains unlikely.

Mexico City’s legalization of same-sex marriage was fought hard by conservative groups, the Catholic Church and certain politicians who unsuccessfully attempted to have the Supreme Court block the decision.

For more on same-sex marriage legislation view our recently published score card.