'Til Two Years Do Us Part: Will Mexico Redefine Marriage?

'Til Two Years Do Us Part: Will Mexico Redefine Marriage?

If Mexican lawmakers have their way, they'll be redefining the institution of marriage. Instead of pledging a "'til death do us part" union, couples will instead enter into a try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it two-year pact.

Sure, a two-year marriage gig would be one way of shacking up with a member of the opposite sex while still keeping your mother happy. "No, they did not live together in sin. They were married but it just didn't work out," a mother could tell her friends. Lawmakers say it might also save some couples the grueling legal process of divorce. Currently in Mexico, nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Most of the divorces occur within the first two years of marriage.

Religious leaders, however, are not buying any of the supposed benefits of a marriage with term limits. The Catholic Church was quick to criticize the proposed change. (Mexico has the world's second largest Catholic population after Brazil.)

"This reform is absurd. It contradicts the nature of marriage," said Hugo Valdemar, spokesman for the Mexican archdiocese, as quoted in Reuters. "It's another one of these electoral theatrics the assembly tends to do that are irresponsible and immoral."

Webster's Dictionary and Wikipedia get ready. A vote on the marriage issue is expected before the end of 2011.If it passes, the definition of marriage will be forever changed.

Looking for more on the subject? Try clicking here and here.