Protests over same-sex marriage in Mexico

Thousands of people in Mexico City have protested against a government proposal to legalise same-sex marriage, which they say would undermine traditional families.

Organisers said they were not opposed to gay or lesbian rights, but wanted to defend family values and the institution of marriage.

The demonstrators called for a meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Public opinion in Mexico, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, has been split since Mr Pena Nieto announced in May plans to change the constitution.

Same-sex marriages are legal in some Mexican states, but Mr Pena Nieto wants it to be allowed across the country. Last year the Supreme Court declared that a ban on such unions imposed in many of Mexico's states was unconstitutional.