As Mexico gears up for a monumental presidential election on June 2, the question on many minds is: If a woman wins, will she govern with a gender-conscious approach?
The prospect of Mexico’s first female president taking office for the term 2024-2030 has sparked discussions among academics, human rights organizations, and activists. Leading the pack of three candidates is Claudia Sheinbaum, who has vowed to continue President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s legacy. Following closely is Xóchitl Gálvez, representing opposition parties, including one with a conservative history.
While the potential victory of Sheinbaum or Gálvez signals progress, it does not automatically guarantee support for gender-related policies. In a country where over 98 million people identify as Catholics, both candidates have refrained from divulging specific plans regarding abortion. However, they have expressed intentions to address gender equality and enhance protection for women amidst escalating violence and femicide.
Here’s a glimpse into the challenges awaiting Mexico’s next leader in navigating abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
THE CURRENT ABORTION LANDSCAPE:
Mexico has witnessed a significant shift in abortion laws, with twelve states decriminalizing the procedure in the past five years. One more state is poised to follow suit following a court ruling mandating a revision of its penal code. Abortion is permitted nationwide in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk.
In 2023, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that laws criminalizing abortion nationally were unconstitutional, aligning with a global trend towards expanded abortion rights. However, the implementation of this ruling necessitates state-level legal amendments to remove all associated penalties.
Despite progress in decriminalization, activists advocating for safe and accessible abortion face persistent challenges in several states. A national network of volunteers, known as “acompañantes,” has emerged to disseminate information on self-managed medication abortions per World Health Organization guidelines.
THE FUTURE OF ABORTION RIGHTS:
While the next president may not directly influence abortion legislation, their stance could shape the discourse within their party. Concerns linger among activists like Ninde Molina, who emphasizes the importance of concrete proposals addressing abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and migrant protection.
Conservative groups, such as the Viva México Movement and the National Family Front, harbor reservations about Sheinbaum and Gálvez aligning with their interests. However, the preservation of fundamental rights like life remains a key priority for these factions.
ADVOCATING WITH A FEMINIST LENS:
Elevating women to leadership positions does not inherently ensure a feminist perspective in governance, according to academic Pauline Capdevielle. Meaningful change, she asserts, necessitates not just gender representation but an active promotion of feminist ideals within policymaking.
Addressing Mexico’s gender agenda requires a holistic approach encompassing reproductive justice, political inclusivity for women, comprehensive sexual education, access to contraceptives, and LGBTQ+ rights, Capdevielle maintains.
PRIORITIZING LGBTQ+ RIGHTS:
Amidst Mexico’s deeply ingrained “macho” culture, LGBTQ+ communities face heightened risks of violence and discrimination. While progress has been made in recognizing same-sex marriage, challenges persist in guaranteeing full rights for LGBTQ+ individuals across all states.
For a government to champion LGBTQ+ rights effectively, ongoing engagement with community organizations, targeted resource allocation, support for LGBTQ+ migrants, and alignment with court rulings on gender identity rights are essential, notes Cristian González Cabrera of Human Rights Watch.
As Mexico heads towards a pivotal election, the stakes are high for the future of gender and LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The incoming president’s approach will significantly influence the trajectory of these critical issues, shaping Mexico’s social landscape for years to come.