Peru Protesters Demand Repeal Of Law Labeling Transgender Identity As Mental Illness

Hundreds of protesters marched in Lima, Peru, on Friday to demand the repeal of a new law that classifies transgender people and others as having mental illnesses to access health benefits.

About 500 demonstrators walked peacefully through downtown Lima, carrying banners with messages like “No more stigmas” and “My identity is not a disease.”

The law, approved last week by President Dina Boluarte’s administration, categorises transgender people, “crossdressers,” and those with “gender identity disorders” as having “illnesses” eligible for mental health services from both public and private providers.

According to Reuters, the protesters reached the health ministry offices without clashes.

Activist Gahela Cari Contreras criticised the government for trying to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, stating,

Gender identities are no longer considered pathologies. We’re not going to let them.

Critics argued that updating the country’s PEAS health regulations was unnecessary since existing rules provided universal access to mental health services.

Peru government officials described the controversy as a misunderstanding. In a statement, the health ministry said it rejects the stigmatisation of LGBTQ+ people and that the legal language aims to ensure more comprehensive health coverage.

The ministry emphasised respecting human rights and providing beneficial health services.

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