The state of Tamaulipas was the latest in the predominantly Catholic country to authorize same-sex marriage, according to the local Congress on Wednesday.

The decision by the northern border state brings to a close a 12-year path toward national marriage equality, which began in 2010 when Mexico City became the first to celebrate same-sex partnerships.

Five years later, the Supreme Court ruled that a prohibition on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, prompting modifications at the state level.

"The Tamaulipas Congress adopted changes to Article 132 of the Civil Code for the State to recognize the right to same-sex marriage," the institution stated in a statement.

“There are no first or second-class people, all people should enjoy this right,” said local congresswoman Nancy Ruiz of the conservative National Action Party (PAN), who promoted the reform.

This year, marriage equality has been authorized in seven additional states, three of which have passed in the previous two weeks.

Marriage equality is still undergoing "legislative harmonization" in five of Mexico's 32 states where it was created by court decisions or governors' decrees, according to political scientist and LGBTQ activist Genaro Lozano.

“But it is already a reality throughout Mexico. Thanks to all the activists and legislators who have supported it over the years,” Lozano tweeted.