Mexican congressman takes off his clothes in angry protest at historic energy privatization bill as scuffles break out and doors barricaded

Today’s historic vote in the Mexican Congress opening the country's state-run oil industry to outside investors for the first time in 70 years was preceded by passionate debate, fisticuffs - and one legislator’s striptease. 
Antonio Garcia Conejo, a member of the leftist Democratic Revolution Party, stripped down to his underwear during a speech Wednesday to dramatize his assertion the bill is a ‘plunder of the nation.’
The 353-134 vote will allow the government to give private foreign and domestic companies contracts and licenses to explore and drill for oil and gas, deals now prohibited under Mexico's constitution.  
more pics after the cut....




Grin and bare it: Antonio Garcia of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) addresses the audience after stripping down to his underwear during his speech on the podium during the overnight debate to symbolize the stripping of Mexico's oil wealth
No shame: Conejo proclaimed that he is not embarrassed to appear nearly nude on the floor of the chamber
The final step, approval by 17 of Mexico's 31 states, is widely seen as assured.
The state-run oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, has had a monopoly since the government took over operations of foreign oil companies in 1938, a move that has been revered ever since as a symbol of national sovereignty. 


Fear: Conejo and other opponents of the bill believe that multinationals, especially from the U.S., will regain the sort of domination they had over Mexico's oil before 1938


Victory: Mexican congressmen celebrate after the lower house gave the final approval to a landmark energy reform in Mexico City December 12


Passion on display: Opposition lawmakers occupy the podium at the National Congress in protest against the newly approved energy reform bill Wednesday


Energy sovereignty:The state-run oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, has had a monopoly since the government took over operations of foreign oil companies in 1938


Blockade: Leftist lawmakers tried to halt discussion of the measure on Wednesday by seizing the main chamber of the House of Deputies