Blogs

Protesters march in Peru against new insurance law that deems transgender people mentally ill

May 19, 2024 | Community News

May 19, 2024

Hundreds of protesters marched in Lima, Peru, on Friday to demand the repeal of a new law that categorizes transgender individuals, among others, as having mental illnesses to qualify for health benefits. Around 500 demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as “No more stigmas” and “My identity is not a disease.”

The controversial law, approved last week by President Dina Boluarte’s government, classifies transgender people, cross-dressers, and those with “gender identity disorders” as having diagnosable “illnesses” eligible for mental health services from public and private providers.

The march reached the health ministry offices without incident. Activist Gahela Cari Contreras condemned the law, stating that “gender identities are no longer considered pathologies” and accusing the government of infringing on LGBTQ+ rights.

Critics argue that updating the PEAS health regulations was unnecessary since existing rules already provided universal access to mental health services. Government officials claimed the controversy was a misunderstanding, insisting the law aims to ensure comprehensive health coverage without stigmatizing LGBTQ+ individuals.

Despite these reassurances, protesters and some medical experts remain unconvinced. Pedro Riega Lopez, dean of Peru’s CMP medical college, argued for an amendment to the law, stating there is no need to include outdated diagnoses in health insurance plans.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Latest Posts

Ecuador chooses next president

Ecuador's pivotal election comes at a moment of profound crisis, with voters facing tough choices amid surging violence, economic instability, and political uncertainty. Security concerns dominated the day as heavily armed soldiers guarded polling stations against...

Latino boycott of Coca-Cola, Walmart, Tesla and more over deportations

The Freeze Latino Movement is gaining traction on social media, advocating a boycott of major American companies in response to mass deportations under the Trump administration and ICE operations. Videos shared online capture symbolic acts of rejection, including a...

Events

Related articles