Peru officially classifies trans people, intersex as ‘mentally ill’

The Peruvian government has officially changed its laws to legally classify transgender, nonbinary and intersex people as mentally ill.

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte signed the decree into law last week, categorizing gender identities as outright mental illness.

According to The Telegraph, the country’s health ministry said the decree was the only way Peru’s public health services could “guarantee full coverage of medical attention for mental health”.

This decision has sparked significant backlash across the country. It follows a recent move by lawmakers to remove references to gender equality from school textbooks, which has severely undermined educational efforts aimed at preventing domestic violence and femocide.

Health Minister César Vásquez has not addressed the controversy surrounding the decree but has defended President Dina Boluarte, who is currently under investigation for the unexplained acquisition of expensive jewellery.