The Peruvian government has sparked controversy by officially categorizing transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals as mentally ill. President Dina Boluarte signed the decree into law last week, altering the legal classification of gender identities.
Peru’s health ministry justified the decision by stating that it was necessary to ensure comprehensive medical attention for mental health within the country’s public health services. However, this move has triggered widespread backlash.
Critics argue that this reclassification perpetuates stigma and discrimination against transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals. It comes at a time when efforts to promote gender equality and prevent domestic violence and femicide are being undermined, with recent moves to remove references to gender equality from school textbooks.
Meanwhile, Health Minister César Vásquez has not directly addressed the controversy surrounding the decree but has defended President Dina Boluarte. Boluarte is currently under investigation for the acquisition of expensive jewelry, including a diamond-encrusted Cartier bracelet valued at £40,000. Additionally, her brother, Nicanor Boluarte, was recently arrested for selling senior government positions.
The president’s response to these scandals has raised further concerns, including the dismantling of an elite police anti-corruption unit and attempts to block the publication of official statistics showing a rise in poverty.
