The Jalisco Congress rejected an initiative that would allow minors to request a new birth certificate to recognize their gender identity, despite a previous ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). With 21 votes against, 13 in favor, and one abstention, the lawmakers rejected establishing procedures for minors to change their gender identity in civil documents.
Jaime Cedillo, representative of the National Front for the Family, argued that the change of gender identity should be reserved for adulthood when individuals are sure of their decision. Cedillo stated: "We are not against an adult, 18 years and older, being able to make this decision. It is already proven that you know your identity from an early age, and we must respect it. If we notice that a minor is confused, society and the government must accompany them until they are 18 years old, when they can decide."
The rejected initiative aimed to allow minors to carry out these procedures accompanied by a family member or guardian, with support from the Child and Adolescent Protection Agency if necessary. In contrast, in 2020, Jalisco reformed its Civil Code to allow transgender individuals over 18 to change their gender identity, neglecting minors.
Izack ZacarÃas, from Impulso Trans, expressed that restricting the recognition of gender identity for minors is a violation of a fundamental human right. ZacarÃas highlighted: "Setting an age remains a violation of people's identity."
Despite pressure from some sectors, the Jalisco Congress has not complied with the reforms requested by the SCJN within a year of the initial ruling, which generates controversy and concern among defenders of the rights of the transgender population in the state.
