Mexico's High Court Bans Conversion Therapy for Minors

Mexico's Supreme Court Strikes Down Law Allowing Conversion Therapy for Minors Mexico City, May 23, 2025 – In a landmark decision, Mexico's Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation has declared unconstitutional a provision in Guerrero state's penal code that permitted parents to subject minors to conversion therapy without penalty. This ruling aligns Guerrero state with federal legislation passed in 2024 that criminalizes efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly when minors are involved. "This resolution puts an end to a legal exception that perpetuated practices considered torture by international organizations," stated Dámaris Moran, a journalist reporting on the case. Minister Margarita Ríos Farjat emphasized during the session that "parenthood cannot be an excuse for violence against children's identities." The decision carries penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment for offenders when the victims are minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. The Supreme Court also underscored that conversion therapies lack scientific basis and inflict significant emotional and physical harm. This victory is a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico, signaling a growing national commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.