Church in Mexico Wins Lawsuit and Will Not Change Baptismal Record of Trans-Identifying Person

May 17, 2024

A Mexican court has ruled in favor of the Diocese of Querétaro in a lawsuit filed by an individual who identifies as transgender and demanded that the diocese change the sex indicated on the baptismal certificate. The claimant first filed a petition against the Diocese in 2021, after he requested to have his registered name and male sex changed on the baptismal records, which the church denied. After moving through the court system, the case was taken to the Supreme Court of Mexico, which refused to take the case, confirming the appellate court’s ruling in favor of the Church.

The legal defense of the Diocese was supported by ADF International. Tomás Henríquez, Director of Advocacy for Latin America and the Caribbean for ADF International, mentioned that “both the Mexican constitution and international law are clear: churches have the right to manage their affairs according to the convictions of their faith. This is a prerequisite for religious freedom. As the battle against gender ideology continues, this case sets an important precedent for churches and religious organizations in Mexico.”

To read the full story, visit ADF International’s website.