Mexico City Enacts Landmark Law Against Transfemicide

In a significant legislative move, Mexico City has officially criminalized transfemicide, imposing prison sentences of up to 70 years for offenders. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a country notorious for its high rates of violence against transgender individuals. Advocates have expressed a sense of relief and hope, with one campaigner stating, “For the first time, I can feel some satisfaction, some peace, after all these long years of work.” The law comes in the wake of numerous tragic cases, including that of trans woman Buenrostro, whose murder was initially mishandled by authorities. Three years later, Mexico City’s attorney general, Ernestina Godoy, publicly apologized for the negligence, making Buenrostro’s case the first to be officially recognized as transfemicide. This acknowledgment highlights the systemic failures that have often left trans victims without justice. Aranza Villegas, whose sister was murdered two years ago, attended a recent gathering to commemorate the new law. She lamented the rarity of justice in such cases, noting that many trans individuals without supportive families are often forgotten after their deaths. “I think it’s one in a hundred cases,” she remarked, emphasizing the dire need for systemic change. With approximately 5 million LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico, the new law is seen as a beacon of hope. Human rights group Letra Ese reported that between 2021 and 2023, 231 LGBTQ+ members were murdered, with a significant portion being transgender. Villegas expressed optimism, stating that the law will help trans individuals feel safer and more respected in Mexico City.