Free Mexico honeymoon for first Argentine gay newly-weds Published duration 16 July 2010

image caption Mexico City wants to be seen as a gay-friendly tourist destination

Mexico City has offered a free honeymoon to the first gay couple to marry in Argentina under a new law.

The couple would have all expenses paid in the Mexican capital and in the beach resort of Cancun, the city's tourism secretary, Alejandro Rojas, said.

On Thursday, Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalise same-sex marriage.

Mexico City also allows gay couples to wed.

The city government would pay the air fares for the newly-wed couple and is seeking sponsorship from hotels and restaurants to finance the rest of the honeymoon, Mr Rojas said.

The offer was "a recognition of tolerance, but first and foremost a way to promote gay tourism in Mexico".

The left-leaning Mexico City government legalised same-sex marriage in 2009 and also allows gay couples to adopt children.

The BBC correspondent in Mexico, Julian Miglierini, says some Mexicans consider the invitation to be simply a publicity stunt.