Peru protesters slam new insurance law that deems trans people mentally ill

Hundreds of protesters in Peru's capital marched on Friday to demand the repeal of a new law that describes trans people, among others, as having a mental illness so they can access health benefits. Around 500 demonstrators peacefully walked through downtown Lima, carrying banners with slogans such as “No more stigmas” and “My identity is not a disease.”

The law, approved last week by President Dina Boluarte’s government, specifies that trans individuals, along with “cross-dressers” and “others with gender identity disorders,” are considered to have “illnesses” eligible for mental health services from both public and private providers.

The protesters reached the health ministry offices without incident, according to ‘Reuters’.

“Gender identities are no longer considered pathologies,” stated activist Gahela Cari Contreras, who accused Boluarte’s government of attempting to infringe upon the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. “We're not going to let them.”

Image Credit: Canva

Critics of the law argued that updating the country’s PEAS health regulations was unnecessary since existing rules already allowed for universal access to mental health services. Government officials have attempted to attribute the controversy to a misunderstanding.

In a statement issued shortly after the law’s enactment, the health ministry insisted it rejects the stigmatisation of LGBTQ+ people and that the legal language merely aims to ensure more comprehensive health coverage.

The ministry “categorically reaffirms respect for the dignity of the person and their free actions within the framework of human rights, providing health services for their benefit,” according to the statement.

Despite the ministry’s argument, the protesters remained unconvinced, and some medical experts called for the law to be amended.

“We don't see any need to incorporate diagnoses or pathologies that no longer exist into health insurance plans,” stated Pedro Riega Lopez, dean of Peru's CMP medical college and a doctor himself.

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