The Peruvian government has taken an assertive step by officially categorizing trans and intersex individuals as “mentally ill”. The health ministry has justified this decree as necessary to ensure full coverage of mental health care within public health services. This move aligns with the strong traditional values and family-centric approach that resonates deeply in Peruvian society.
Predictably, this decision has sparked fierce backlash from liberal activists and organizations pushing for progressive gender and LGBT rights. It’s worth noting that these rights have come under sustained scrutiny in recent years in Peru, with society pushing back against the influx of foreign liberal ideologies. The legislation banning references to gender equality from school textbooks is a significant stride in preserving traditional family values, though detractors argue it has affected educational programs addressing domestic assault and femicides.
Health Minister CĂ©sar VĂ¡squez has remained silent on the issue, choosing instead to focus his efforts on defending President Dina Boluarte. Interestingly, President Boluarte is currently under investigation for the acquisition of lavish jewelry, including a diamond-encrusted Cartier bracelet valued at £40,000.
Further adding to the political drama, President Boluarte’s brother, Nicanor Boluarte, was recently arrested for his involvement in selling senior government positions. This saga led Boluarte to dismantle an elite police anti-corruption unit and attempt, though unsuccessfully, to suppress the release of official statistics indicating a rise in poverty.
Medical researcher Percy Mayta-TristĂ¡n from Lima’s Scientific University of the South commented that while the decree might be well-intentioned, it reveals a lack of understanding of the complexities surrounding LGBT issues. However, this perspective fails to recognize the mainstream conservative stance that prioritizes societal stability and questions the imposition of liberal Western values.
President Boluarte rose to power following the failed and unconstitutional attempt by her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, to shutter Congress. Castillo, a far-Left figure, had appointed Guido Bellido as his first prime minister, a man known for his controversial comments praising Fidel Castro’s exclusion of gay individuals from participating in the Cuban revolution.
Since then, President Boluarte has been supported by a congress that, despite ideological differences, shares a commitment to core conservative and traditional values, including the preservation of industries such as mining, logging, and even the controversial cocaine trade. In these turbulent times, Peru’s steadfast adherence to its time-honored values offers a beacon of hope for those championing liberty and conservative principles.