Mexico City, Mexico – A decree published in Mexico’s official government newsletter has declared a "National Day for the Fight Against Homophobia" to be celebrated on May 17th of every year. The decree was signed by Mexican President Enrique Peña and his Secretary General Miguel Angel Osorio.

Leticia Gonzalez, president for the pro-family organization Voz Pública AC, has said that the announcement means President Peña Nieto's government "will celebrate STDs and the destruction of marriage and family."

The decree states that homophobia "is the fear, rejection, or aversion to others because of their sexual preference, gender identity, and expression. This is based on stereotypes, prejudices, and stigmas, expressed in discriminatory attitudes and conducts which undermine the person’s equality, dignity, rights, and freedom, and which may generate different types of violence." It goes on to say that "on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization’s General Assembly eliminated homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses, making said date the worldwide celebration of the 'International Day Against Homophobia.'"

However, Dr. Nicholas Cummings, former president of the American Psychological Association who introduced the motion to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness in 1975, said that "unbiased, open research" to demonstrate his theory "was never done."

"Mentioning what science has to say about this issue is today considered homophobic," said Gonzalez. "Defending the right to a well informed decision is a universal right. We must spread the truth. We must remind President Peña Nieto and our Health Secretary the implications of promoting homosexuality."

Local media reported that a total of 29 same-sex marriages took place in a collective ceremony in Mexico City on the day the decree was published.

The media reported how a federal judge granted an injunction and imposed a same-sex marriage ceremony in the state of Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most conservative states, where same-sex civil unions are illegal. More than 20 homosexual couples have sued the state hoping to get legally married.