Peru Updates Health Policy To Classify Homosexuality As Mental Disorder.
The Peruvian government has issued a decree classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder, as part of an update to the country’s Essential Health Insurance Plan. Signed by President Dina Boluarte on 10 May 2024, Supreme Decree 009-2024 aims to ensure broader mental health service coverage, according to the Ministry of Health. The classification includes “ego-dystonic sexual orientation” and other gender identity-related conditions, drawing from the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
The decree also lists “transsexualism, dual-role transvestism, and fetishistic transvestism” as mental health conditions, aligning them with provisions for treatment under Peru’s health insurance framework. The Ministry of Health stated that the update is intended to expand access to mental health services, particularly in private clinics, to address a range of psychological needs.
On 25 June 2024, the government announced it would no longer classify transgender and other gender-diverse individuals as having mental disorders, following discussions with stakeholders. However, the classification of homosexuality remains in place. The Ministry of Health has clarified that the decree does not endorse conversion therapies and is focused on improving healthcare access.
The policy has sparked varied responses, with some expressing support for the government’s approach to mental health coverage, while others have raised concerns about its implications. As Peru approaches Pride events in July, the decree continues to fuel discussions about mental health and LGBTQ+ rights in the country.