Mexico City Congress advances reforms for sexual diversity rights

The Congress of Mexico City has advanced a significant legislative agenda aimed at bolstering the rights and protections for the LGBTTTIQ+ community. During its past ordinary session, lawmakers approved multiple measures designed to enhance recognition, equality, and protection against discrimination and hate crimes.

A notable development was the approval of two reforms to Articles 1 and 116 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States on February 10. The first reform incorporates the concept of gender identity, strengthening protections against discrimination and ensuring the rights of LGBTTTIQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and non-binary people. The second reform promotes the establishment of specialized prosecutor's offices in federal entities to address the needs of women and individuals of diverse sexual and gender identities, aiming to guarantee access to justice with a gender and human rights perspective.

As these reforms pertain to the federal constitution, they have been forwarded to the Chamber of Deputies for further parliamentary process. Additionally, on February 25, deputies approved reforms to the Law for the Recognition and Attention of LGBTTTI+ Persons of Mexico City. This amendment explicitly recognizes non-binary individuals, seeking to dismantle discriminatory barriers, foster inclusion, and uphold the right to gender identity for all.

Further actions included the approval on May 29 of a reform to Article 9 of the same local law, designating these populations as priority for attention in health, education, work, and personal development, ensuring a life free from discrimination. The Congress also issued calls to action for city institutions to implement policies guaranteeing LGBTTTIQ+ rights. On April 21, a solemn session honored activists Natalia Sofía Cruz Cruz (Natalia Lane) and Carlos López López (Carlos ‘Dosveceslópez’) with the Medal of Merit for Diversity for their advocacy and work in promoting inclusive policies.