View source for LGBTQ rights in Peru

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{{hatnote|This article is concerned with the situation in the modern Peruvian state. For information about homosexuality in antiquity, see [[homosexuality in ancient Peru]].}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox LGBT rights
| location_header = Peru
| image        = Peru (orthographic projection).svg
| caption      = [[Peru]]
| legal_status = Legal since 1924<ref name="ilga 2017" />
| gender_identity_expression = Transgender people allowed to change legal gender without surgery
| recognition  = No recognition of same-sex unions
| recognition_res = ''De facto unions'' banned by constitution
| adoption     = No
| military     = Lesbians, gays and bisexuals allowed to serve openly since 2004
| discrimination_protections = Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity protections
}}
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in [[Peru]] face some legal challenges not experienced by other residents. Same-sex sexual activity among consenting adults is legal.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=State-Sponsored Homophobia|last=Mendos|first=Lucas Ramón|publisher=ILGA|year=2019|location=Geneva|pages=185}}</ref> However, households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.

In January 2017, a decree issued by President [[Pedro Pablo Kuczynski]] took effect, prohibiting all forms of discrimination and [[hate crime]]s on the basis of [[sexual orientation]] and [[gender identity]]. In a landmark ruling published on 9 January 2017, the 7th Constitutional Court of Lima ruled in favor of recognizing and registering a [[same-sex marriage]], between a Peruvian citizen and a Mexican citizen, performed in [[Same-sex marriage in Mexico City|Mexico City]] in 2010. In March 2018, the ruling was reversed by the Supreme Court of Peru on procedural grounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/peru/caso-ugarteche-anulan-fallo-reconocio-matrimonio-homosexual-noticia-507862-noticia/|title=Caso Ugarteche: anulan fallo que reconoció matrimonio homosexual|trans-title=Ugarteche case: ruling recognizing homosexual marriage annulled|work=El Comercio|date=29 March 2018|language=es|last=Alayo Orbegozo|first=Fernando}}</ref>

[[Homosexuality]] has been used as grounds for separation or divorce. Laws meant to protect "public morals", such as Article 183 of the Penal Code on "obscene exhibitions and publications", have also been used against [[lesbian]]s and gays.<ref name=":0" /> Society's attitude towards homosexuals has generally been hostile and is still heavily influenced by the [[Catholic Church]]. The organisation {{lang|es|Movimiento Homosexual de Lima}} (MHOL) was founded in 1982 to advocate for LGBT rights in the country. During the first Lima [[Pride parade]] in 2002, most demonstrators wore masks to avoid persecution.

==History==
[[File:Vasija Chimú sexual (M. América, Madrid) 01.jpg|thumb|A Chimú ceramic showing two men engaging in sexual activity|alt=Ancient ceramic vessel depicting two male figures in sexual activity]]
{{main|LGBT history in Peru|Homosexuality in ancient Peru}}

=== Pre-Columbian Era ===
In [[pre-Columbian]] times, different ethnic groups existed in [[Ancient Peru]]. Gender studies carried out for this period are scarce, and very little is known about pre-Columbian homosexual practices.

==== Moche culture ====
In the [[Moche culture]], developed in northern Peru between [[300 BC|300 BC. C]]. and the [[700|700s AD. C.]], homosexuality would have been perceived normally, as attested by its ceramics.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627075436/http://radio.rpp.com.pe/peruanosenelexterior/los-huacos-eroticos-en-la-cultura-mochica/ |date=5 March 2010 |first=Juan José |last=Candela Alva |title=Los huacos eróticos en la cultura Mochica|trans-title=The erotic huacos in Mochica culture |url=http://radio.rpp.com.pe/peruanosenelexterior/los-huacos-eroticos-en-la-cultura-mochica/ |website=rpp.com.pe}}</ref> It is important to note that 40% of the ceramics (locally called "[[Huaca|huacos]]") represent homosexual relationships.<ref>{{cite news |access-date=18 April 2018 |date=9 August 2010 |language=es |periodical=Lamula.pe |title=Los huacos eróticos de la cultura Mochica|trans-title=The erotic huacos of Mochica culture |url=https://lamula.pe/2010/08/09/los-huacos-eroticos-de-la-cultura-mochica/arturito/}}</ref> Later, with the arrival of the [[Spanish conquistadors]], many of these "huacos" were destroyed for being considered immoral, a practice that continued until the 20th century, this time by researchers and archaeologists, in an attempt to censor and maintain an idealized vision of ancient Perú.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==== Inca Empire ====
According to the chronicler [[Pedro Cieza de León]] in ''[[:es:Crónica del Perú|Crónica del Perú]]'', unlike the rest of the Inca Empire, the practice of homosexuality was tolerated in the north ([[Chinchay Suyu|Chinchaysuyo]]) and even considered an act of worship, with a male brothel existing that attended to the needs of the troop. These sexual servants were known as ''pampayruna''.

{{blockquote|''Each temple or main shrine has a man, two or more depending on the idol, who are dressed as women, and with these, almost by way of sanctity and religion, the lords and principals have their carnal council.''|''Crónica del Perú.''}}Likewise, the Incas had special consideration for [[lesbian]]s whom they called ''holjoshta''. The Inca [[Capac Yupanqui]] used to have a very special affection for these women.<ref>{{cite news |access-date=18 April 2018 |last=Villalobos |archive-date=19 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120500/http://www.cascaraamarga.es/cultura/50-cultura/7434-la-homosexualidad-en-las-culturas-precolombinas.html |date=5 January 2014 |first=José Luis |work=Cáscara amarga |title=La homosexualidad en las culturas precolombinas|trans-title=Homosexuality in pre-Columbian cultures |url=http://www.cascaraamarga.es/cultura/50-cultura/7434-la-homosexualidad-en-las-culturas-precolombinas.html}}</ref>

However, in the center and south of the empire the Incas severely punished homosexuality.<ref>{{cite book |access-date=8 August 2011 |author-link=Louis Crompton |date=2003 |first=Louis |language=en |last=Crompton |location=Cambridge, MA |publisher=[[Harvard University Press]] |title=Homosexuality and Civilisation |isbn=978-0-674-03006-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&dq=Crompton,+Louis.+Homosexuality+and+Civilisation.+Cambridge,+MA:+Harvard+University+Press.+2003&pg=PR11}}</ref> The chronicler [[Martín de Murúa]] commented in his ''[[General History of Peru]]'' that the Inca [[Lloque Yupanqui]] punished "with great severity public sins – stealing, killing – and sodomy, for which he restrained, plucked his ears, pulled his nose and hanged him, and he cut the necks of the nobles and principals or tore their shirts."<ref name="Sin-nombre-p4yA-1">{{cite book |last1=González Arenas |first1=Mauricio |last2=Gamboa |first2=César |date=28 August 2014 |page=368 |publisher=Centro de Estudios Históricos, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins |title=Actitudes homofóbicas entre los indígenas del Nuevo Mundo: los casos azteca, inca y mapuche en fuentes de los siglos XVI y XVII |trans-title=Homophobic attitudes among the indigenous peoples of the New World: the Aztec, Inca and Mapuche cases in sources from the 16th and 17th centuries}}</ref>

The [[Inca Garcilaso de la Vega]] relates in his ''[[Comentarios Reales de los Incas|Royal Commentaries of the Incas]]'' that homosexuality in the Inca Empire was prohibited and that "sodomites" were persecuted and [[burned alive]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayea Rodríguez |first=Liesder |date=2016-03-04 |title=Un análisis de la representación y falta de representación del sujeto subalterno femenino u 'otro' en los Comentarios reales del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega|trans-title=An analysis of the representation and lack of representation of the female subaltern subject or 'other' in the Royal Commentaries of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega |url=https://pendientedemigracion.ucm.es/info/especulo/numero46/comreales.html |access-date=2024-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204249/https://pendientedemigracion.ucm.es/info/especulo/numero46/comreales.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>{{blockquote|''They had found that there were some sodomites, not in all the valleys, but in each one, not in all the common neighbors, but in some individuals who secretly used that evil vice... The Inca was happy with the story of the conquest. ... And in particular he ordered that with great diligence an investigation be made of the sodomites and in a public square they would burn alive those who were found not only guilty but initiated, no matter how little... they would also burn their houses and tear them down to the ground and burn them. the trees of their estates, uprooting them... and they proclaimed by an unforgettable law that from then on they should guard against falling into such a crime, under penalty that for the sin of one, their entire town would be devastated and all its inhabitants in general burned.''|''[[Comentarios reales de los incas]]''}}For his part, [[Pedro Cieza de León|Cieza de León]] commented in his ''[[:es:Crónica del Perú|Chronicle of Peru]]'' that the Incas punished those who practiced homosexuality: "they hated those who used it, considering them as vile timid people and that if it was known to anyone that such a sin had committed, they punished him with such a penalty that it would be pointed out and known among everyone."<ref name="Sin-nombre-p4yA-1"/>

==== Aymara people ====
In the case of the [[Aymaras]], who reside southwest of the Peruvian mountains, there are different opinions. According to the superstitions of certain sub-ethnic groups, they are also said to be an omen of bad luck. Although some communities have a certain degree of acceptance, respect and understanding of these people for their sexual orientation. In others, homosexuals were frequently considered special, magical beings, endowed with supernatural powers, recognized for their powers to be [[Shamanism|shamans]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Crompton | first=Louis | title=Homosexuality and Civilization | publisher=Belknap Press | publication-place=Cambridge, Mass. | date=2006 | isbn=978-0-674-02233-1 | page=}}</ref>

=== Vicerroyal Era ===
[[File:El maricon Juan José (1860) C.jpg|thumb|The cook ''Ño'' [[Juan José Cabezudo]], popularly known as "''el maricón''" (First watercolor from the early 19th century by [[Pancho Fierro]]).|alt=Watercolor painting of a man in period dress]]
With the arrival of the [[Conquistador|Hispanic conquistadors]] and the creation of the [[Viceroyalty of Peru]], [[Christianity]] was introduced, in this case the [[Catholic religion]], and with it the [[Spanish Inquisition|Inquisition]], which at that time was already established in [[Europe]]. However, there were also some Spaniards, [[Criollo people|Creoles]] and [[mestizo]] homosexuals who, faced with the repressive laws of the time, practiced their sexual relations clandestinely, as in the other European overseas territories in America. This homosexual subculture was largely manifested in the capital of the Viceroyalty, the City of the Kings. A much-loved Lima character from the end of the viceregal era and the beginning of the Republic was [[Juan José Cabezudo]], a famous [[Black Peruvians|Afro-Peruvian]] cook nicknamed "el maricón" or "eater." He was portrayed in two watercolors by [[Pancho Fierro]] and also in a daguerreotype by the [[Eugenio Courret|Courret house]].<ref>{{cite journal |access-date=2021-05-07 |last=Pamo Reyna |date=2016-01-25 |doi=10.20453/ah.v56i0.2713 |first=Oscar G. |format=PDF |issn=2411-4502 |pages=26 |journal=Acta Herediana |title=El travestismo en Lima: de la Colonia a la República.|trans-title=Transvestism in Lima: from the Colony to the Republic |url=https://revistas.upch.edu.pe/index.php/AH/article/view/2713/2588 |volume=56|url-access=subscription |doi-access=free }}</ref>

==Legality of same-sex sexual activity==
In Peru, consensual same-sex sexual activity has been legal since the enactment of the 1924 Penal Code.<ref name="ilga 2017">{{cite web|last1=Carroll|first1=A.|last2=Mendos|first2=L.R.|title=State Sponsored Homophobia 2017: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition|url=https://ilga.org/downloads/2017/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2017_WEB.pdf|publisher=[[International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association]]|access-date=12 May 2018|date=May 2017|archive-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017180445/https://ilga.org/downloads/2017/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Estudio Diversidad Sexual y Unión Civil|trans-title=Study on Sexual Diversity and Civil Union|url=http://www.iessdeh.org/usuario/ftp/Estudio_Diversidad_Sexual_y_Union_Civil-27Ab.pdf|access-date=12 May 2018|language=es|date=2014}}</ref> From 1836 to 1838, the Bolivian Penal Code, which was imposed by General [[Andrés de Santa Cruz]] when the [[Peru–Bolivian Confederation]] was established, did not expressly prohibit homosexuality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bolivia: Código Penal Santa Cruz (1834)|trans-title=Bolivia: Santa Cruz Penal Code (1834)|url=https://www.lexivox.org/norms/BO-COD-18341106.xhtml|access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref> The first Criminal Code of Peru, approved in 1863, included [[sodomy]] as a criminal act. According to article 272, someone committing sodomy would be imprisoned, with the same penalties as imposed on the perpetrators of crimes related to rape and statutory rape.<ref>{{cite web|title=Evolución Legislativa de los Delitos Sexuales|trans-title=Legislative Evolution of Sexual Crimes|url=http://perso.unifr.ch/derechopenal/assets/files/anuario/an_1999_15.pdf|access-date=12 May 2018|language=es}}</ref>

The age of consent in [[Peru]] has changed several times during recent years, and has been subject to political debate,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peru-lowers-age-of-consent-to-14/ |title=Peru Lowers Age of Consent To 14 |last=Goldwert|first=Lindsay|date=2007-06-22 |publisher=CBS NEWS |access-date=2009-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.congreso.gob.pe/Sicr/Prensa/heraldo.nsf/CNnoticiasanteriores/fc34916372aa85c9052573070053ab5a?OpenDocument |title=Pleno Reconsidero Exoneracion de Sedunda Votacion a Proyecto Sobre Libertad Sexual |date=2007-06-27 |publisher=El Heraldo |language=es |trans-title=House Reconsidered and Excluded Second Vote for Project on Sexual Freedom |access-date=2010-09-02}}</ref> but today it is fixed at 14, regardless of [[gender]] and/or [[sexual orientation]], in accordance with a 2012 decision of the [[Constitutional Court of Peru]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tc.gob.pe/jurisprudencia/2013/00008-2012-AI.pdf| title = Demanda de inconstitucionalidad interpuesta por diez mil seiscientos nueve ciudadanos contra el artículo 1° de la Ley N° 28704 que modifica el artículo 173°, inciso 3° del Código Penal, sobre delito de violación sexual contra víctima entre 14 y 18 años de edad|trans-title=Unconstitutionality claim filed by ten thousand six hundred and nine citizens against article 1° of Law No. 28704 that modifies article 173°, paragraph 3° of the Penal Code, on the crime of sexual violation against victims between 14 and 18 years of age | language = es | date = 2013-01-07}}</ref>

==Recognition of same-sex relationships==
On 8 August 2020, the Ministry of Economy and Finance ruled that same-sex partners of health-care workers are eligible to inherit benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aprueban Normas Complementarias para la aplicación del Decreto de Urgencia Nº 063-2020, Decreto de Urgencia que dispone el apoyo solidario de los funcionarios y servidores públicos del poder ejecutivo para la entrega económica a favor de los deudos del personal de la salud, fallecidos a consecuencia del COVID-19|trans-title=Complementary Rules approved for the application of Emergency Decree No. 063-2020, Emergency Decree that provides for the solidarity support of officials and public servants of the executive power for economic delivery in favor of the relatives of health personnel, deceased as a consequence of COVID-19 |url=https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/aprueban-normas-complementarias-para-la-aplicacion-del-decre-decreto-supremo-no-220-2020-ef-1876188-3/ |access-date=2022-04-22}}</ref>

===Civil unions===
On 26 July 2010, Deputy José Vargas of the ruling party [[Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana]] announced that he would introduce a bill legalizing [[civil union]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.andina.com.pe/Espanol/Noticia.aspx?id=6d4SA8oHVEc=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305195116/http://www.andina.com.pe/Espanol/Noticia.aspx?id=6d4SA8oHVEc=|url-status=dead|title=Vargas afirma que uniones de hecho entre parejas del mismo sexo son "un derecho humano"|trans-title=Vargas affirms that de facto unions between same-sex couples are "a human right"|archive-date=5 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=466635|title=Legislador peruano anuncia proyecto para legalizar uniones homosexuales|trans-title=Peruvian legislator announces project to legalize homosexual unions|access-date=27 July 2010|archive-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204201944/http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=466635|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, in early 2011, the bill died in the Justice Committee because some of its members believed it would be necessary to change the Constitution in order to approve the law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elcomercio.pe/politica/710735/noticia-comision-justicia-discutio-union-civil-entre-homosexuales|title=Comisión de Justicia discutió la unión civil entre homosexuales|trans-title=Justice Commission discussed civil union between homosexuals}}</ref>

Prior to the [[2011 Peruvian general election]], two of the presidential candidates, [[Keiko Fujimori]] and [[Alejandro Toledo]], expressed their support for civil unions for same-sex couples,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elcomercio.pe/politica/704939/noticia-toledo-hizo-polemicas-declaraciones-sobre-consumo-drogas-aborto|title=Toledo hizo polémicas declaraciones sobre consumo de drogas y aborto|trans-title=Toledo made controversial statements about drug consumption and abortion}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elcomercio.pe/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108172932/http://m.elcomercio.pe/politica/703349/noticia-keiko-difiere-kenji-sobre-adopcion-ninos-parejas-homosexuales|url-status=dead|title=Keiko difiere con Kenji sobre adopción de niños por parejas homosexuales|trans-title=Keiko differs with Kenji about adoption of children by homosexual couples|archive-date=8 November 2011|website=El Comercio Perú}}</ref> but neither of them were elected. The winner of the election, [[Ollanta Humala]], had stated that he opposed legal recognition for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://carloscardenasborja.blogspot.com/2011/03/peru-aspirante-izquierdista-ollanta.html|title=Perú: aspirante izquierdista Ollanta Humala se suma a rechazo de iglesia a bodas gay|trans-title=Peru: leftist candidate Ollanta Humala joins church rejection of gay weddings|first="el|last=Todopoderoso"|date=21 March 2011}}</ref> In April 2014, legislator [[Carlos Bruce]] received a petition signed by 10,000 people in favor of allowing civil unions for same-sex couples.<ref>[http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-10-thousand-sign-petition-in-favor-of-civil-union-for-gay-couples-102660 10 thousand sign petition in favor of civil union for gay couples] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413154939/http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-10-thousand-sign-petition-in-favor-of-civil-union-for-gay-couples-102660 |date=13 April 2014 }}, Peru this Week, 2 April 2014</ref> Bruce, who proposed the change in the law in September 2013, expressed his hope that it would alleviate the discrimination faced by LGBT Peruvians.

The bill was scheduled to be debated on 7 April in front of the Commission of Justice and Human Rights, but ultimately was postponed until after Easter.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/10/civil-unions-in-peru_n_5121196.html?ir=Politics|work=HuffPost| title=Peru Compiles Signatures For LGBT Civil Unions|date=2014-04-10}}</ref> In June 2014, a number of bills granting various forms of recognition were discussed in Congress. After the debate, politician [[Carlos Bruce]], who had earlier stated publicly that he was gay, decided that his original civil union bill providing same-sex couples with more comprehensive rights should be voted on separately from the other proposals. More than one bill allowing for the recognition of same-sex relationships was scheduled to be discussed in the following parliamentary session, which began in August, though the debate was eventually postponed once more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sentidog.com/lat/2014/06/la-union-civil-y-union-solidaria-volveran-a-debatirse-en-agosto-en-peru.html|title=La unión civil y unión solidaria volverán a debatirse en agosto en Perú|trans-title=Civil union and solidarity union will be debated again in August in Peru|date=27 June 2014}}</ref>

In mid-December 2014, during the last week of the 2014 legislative year, it was announced that the bill would be the first thing on the Government's agenda in the new parliamentary session, which began in early March 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205675381988084&set=a.10203663937663233&type=3|title=Carlos Bruce|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref> On 10 March, Bruce's civil union bill was rejected on a vote of 7–4 with 2 abstentions and 2 absences in the Justice Committee. One senator called for Congress to reconsider the bill and the motion was scheduled for a vote on 17 March, but the meeting was suspended due to a lack of attendance by senators. Also on the agenda was an alternate proposal called a solidary union which was scheduled for a vote within two weeks, though the meeting never materialised.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://peru21.pe/politica/union-solidaria-se-suspendio-debate-proyecto-falta-quorum-2214499 |title=Unión Solidaria: Se suspendió debate del dictamen por falta de quórum|trans-title=Solidarity Union: Debate of the ruling was suspended due to lack of quorum |access-date=23 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011230454/http://peru21.pe/politica/union-solidaria-se-suspendio-debate-proyecto-falta-quorum-2214499 |archive-date=11 October 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 14 April 2015, the bill was officially shelved by the Justice Committee after receiving only two votes in favor of its reconsideration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elcomercio.pe/politica/congreso/union-civil-fue-archivada-definitivamente-este-congreso-noticia-1804160|title=Unión civil fue archivada definitivamente por este Congreso|trans-title=Civil union was definitively shelved by this Congress}}</ref>

Congressmen Carlos Bruce and Alberto de Belaunde, from the center-right party [[Peruvians for Change]], reintroduced a civil union bill in Congress in late November 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://peru21.pe/politica/union-civil-nuevo-proyecto-ley-se-presentaria-siguiente-semana-y-estas-serian-algunas-sus-novedades-2258942|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109142758/http://peru21.pe/politica/union-civil-nuevo-proyecto-ley-se-presentaria-siguiente-semana-y-estas-serian-algunas-sus-novedades-2258942|url-status=dead|title=Unión civil: Nuevo proyecto de ley se presentaría la siguiente semana y estas serían algunas de sus novedades|trans-title=Civil union: New bill would be presented the following week and these would be some of its innovations|archive-date=9 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elcomercio.pe/politica/congreso/union-civil-oficialismo-confirma-que-presentara-nuevo-proyecto-noticia-1928273|title=Unión civil: bancada de PPK presentará nuevo proyecto de ley|trans-title=Civil union: PPK caucus will present new bill}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogdelimagay.blogspot.com/2016/11/presentaron-al-congreso-proyecto-de.html|title=LimaGay.net: Presentaron al Congreso proyecto de Unión Civil entre personas del mismo sexo|trans-title=LimaGay.net: Civil Union project between people of the same sex presented to Congress|first=Lima Gay|last=Net|date=30 November 2016}}</ref> The bill bears the signatures of various politicians, namely [[Gino Costa]], Sergio Dávila, Vicente Zeballos, [[Ana María Choquehuanca]], [[Guido Lombardi]], Janet Sánchez Alva, Juan Sheput and Vice President [[Mercedes Aráoz]]. President [[Pedro Pablo Kuczynski]] announced his support for same-sex civil unions during his presidential campaign.

===Same-sex marriage===
On 14 February 2017, a bill legalizing same-sex marriage was introduced in the Peruvian Congress. The bill is sponsored by Indira Huilca, [[Marisa Glave]], [[Tania Pariona Tarqui]], Alberto Quintanilla, Manuel Dammert, Horacio Zeballos, Marco Arana and Edgar Ochoa from the [[Broad Front (Peru)|Broad Front]] and Alberto de Belaunde, Guido Lombardi and Carlos Bruce from the [[Peruvians for Change]]. Huilca said that the legislation was not about "creating ad hoc legal recognition" for same-sex couples but to extend equal rights. "Neither more nor less than that."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/26955/Peruvian_Lawmakers_Introduce_Gay_Marriage_Bill_On_Valentines_Day|title=Peruvian Lawmakers Introduce Gay Marriage Bill on Valentine's Day|website=On Top Magazine}}</ref> The proposal seeks to alter Article 234 of the Civil Code to define marriage as "the union voluntarily agreed upon by two persons legally able to do so".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogdelimagay.blogspot.com/2017/02/se-presento-proyecto-de-ley-de.html|title=LimaGay.net: Se presentó proyecto de ley de Matrimonio Igualitario en el Peru|trans-title=LimaGay.net: Equal Marriage bill was presented in Peru|first=Lima Gay|last=Net|date=14 February 2017}}</ref>

====Recognition of marriages performed abroad====
On 16 September 2016, the Registry Tribunal of the [[National Registry of Identification and Civil Status]] (RENIEC) ruled in favor of a same-sex couple married abroad, considering that same-sex marriage does not contravene international law and order. The couple, married in [[Belgium]], sought to register property they purchased in the country. However, the public registrar refused. On 3 February, the court determined that the applicable law in this case was Belgian law and not Peruvian law. As such, it ruled that the couple can purchase and register property in Peru. The public registrar again refused, saying that although in this case the marriage had been contracted under Belgian law, this contravened international law and order under treaties signed by Peru. In September, the court ruled that the marriage could not be incompatible with international public order because same-sex marriage is allowed in many countries and again ruled that Peruvian law was not applicable to the case because it is a marriage governed under the laws of Belgium. As a result, same-sex couples who have married in a foreign country will have no problems in registering property they purchased in Peru and have their economic rights recognized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://laley.pe//art/3554/matrimonios-gay-pueden-adquirir-e-inscribir-bienes-en-el-peru|title=Matrimonios gay pueden adquirir e inscribir bienes en el Perú|trans-title=Gay marriages can acquire and register property in Peru|first=La Ley Ana Bazo|last=Reisman|website=La Ley – El Ángulo Legal de la Noticia|date=4 October 2016|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922001337/https://laley.pe//art/3554/matrimonios-gay-pueden-adquirir-e-inscribir-bienes-en-el-peru|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In a ruling published on 9 January 2017, the 7th Constitutional Court of Lima ordered the [[National Registry of Identification and Civil Status|RENIEC]] to recognize and register the marriage of a same-sex couple, Oscar Ugarteche and Fidel Aroche, who had previously wed in [[Mexico City]]. Ugarteche is the founder of the Homosexual Movement of Lima, a Peruvian LGBT advocacy group that was founded in 1982. The court ruled that not recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other countries would be highly discriminatory and contrary to both the [[Constitution of Peru|Peruvian Constitution]] and many international provisions. The court found that the only reason upon which the marriage was not recognized was because it was concluded between persons of the same sex, and that argument is not reasonable and objective. Additionally, it cited many international precedents, including ''[[Atala Riffo and Daughters v. Chile]]'' and ''[[Obergefell v. Hodges]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogdelimagay.blogspot.com/2017/01/ordenan-reniec-reconocer-e-inscribir.html|title=LimaGay.net: Ordenan a RENIEC reconocer e inscribir matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo realizado en México.|trans-title=LimaGay.net: RENIEC ordered to recognize and register marriage between people of the same sex performed in Mexico|first=Lima Gay|last=Net|date=9 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://peru21.pe/actualidad/poder-judicial-emitio-historica-sentencia-favor-matrimonio-homosexual-2267344|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113045639/http://peru21.pe/actualidad/poder-judicial-emitio-historica-sentencia-favor-matrimonio-homosexual-2267344|url-status=dead|title=Poder Judicial emitió histórica sentencia en favor del matrimonio homosexual|trans-title=Judicial Power issued historic sentence in favor of homosexual marriage|archive-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/peru-same-sex-marriage-oscar-galarza/|title=Court orders Peru to recognize its first same-sex marriage|work=Gay Star News|date=10 January 2017|access-date=10 January 2017|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111144420/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/peru-same-sex-marriage-oscar-galarza/|url-status=dead}}</ref> RENIEC stated it would appeal the ruling to the [[Superior Courts of Justice of Peru|Superior Court of Justice of Lima]].<ref>{{cite web|title=¿Por qué es importante que Reniec apele fallo sobre matrimonio de Óscar Ugarteche?|trans-title=Why is it important that Reniec appeals ruling on Óscar Ugarteche's marriage?|url=https://redaccion.lamula.pe/2017/01/10/tribunal-constitucional-oscar-ugarteche-reniec/victorliza/|access-date=20 January 2017|language=es-LA|date=10 January 2017}}</ref> The Superior Court of Justice dismissed the case in March 2018, because Ugarteche had filed the lawsuit against RENIEC six days too late. The Court did not rule on the merits of the case, however. Ugarteche has announced his intention to appeal to the [[Constitutional Court of Peru|Constitutional Court]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/1219101-ugarteche-esta-lucha-no-acaba-aca-ire-al-tribunal-constitucional/|title=Ugarteche: "Esta lucha no acaba acá, iré al Tribunal Constitucional"|trans-title=Ugarteche: "This fight doesn't end here, I'll go to the Constitutional Court"|first=Redacción|last=LR|date=28 May 2019|website=larepublica.pe}}</ref> The Court heard the case on 20 June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/tribunal-constitucional-debate-reconocimiento-de-matrimonio-gay-noticia-1130829|title=Tribunal Constitucional debate reconocimiento de matrimonio gay|trans-title=Constitutional Court debates recognition of gay marriage|first=Jorge|last=Urbano|date=20 June 2018|website=RPP}}</ref>

In April 2019, the Eleventh Constitutional Court of the Superior Court of Justice of Lima ordered RENIEC to register the same-sex marriage of Susel Parades and Grace Aljovín, married in 2016 in [[Miami]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agenciapresentes.org/2019/04/05/la-justicia-de-peru-reconocio-matrimonio-entre-dos-mujeres/|title=La Justicia de Perú reconoció matrimonio entre dos mujeres|trans-title=Peru's Justice recognized marriage between two women|website=Presentes|date=5 April 2019|language=es}}</ref>

In April 2019, it was reported that four cases seeking recognition for same-sex marriage in Peru were pending. One of them related to a marriage performed abroad, for which the couple were seeking recognition in Peru through a lawsuit. Another was brought by a Peruvian citizen seeking the right to marry his same-sex partner in Peru from a court in Lima. Nelly Paredes Rojas, a public prosecutor for RENIEC, called on [[Congress of the Republic of Peru|Congress]] to legalise same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/1454462-reniec-urge-congreso-legisle-matrimonio-igualitario/|title=Reniec: Urge que el Congreso legisle el matrimonio igualitario|trans-title=Reniec: Urgent that Congress legislate equal marriage|last=LR|first=Redacción|date=2019-05-21|website=larepublica.pe|language=es|access-date=2019-07-05}}</ref>

On 3 November 2020, the Constitutional Court voted 4–3 to reject Ugarteche's petition to register his marriage with RENIEC.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Por primera vez tres candidatos a presidir Perú apoyan el matrimonio homosexual|trans-title=For the first time, three candidates to preside over Peru support homosexual marriage|url=https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/deportes/constitucional-peruano-rechaza-amparo-favor-204053340.html|access-date=2020-11-06|website=es-us.noticias.yahoo.com|date=4 November 2020 |language=es-US}}</ref>

In June 2022, the Constitutional Court denied an appeal seeking recognition of same-sex marriages conducted in foreign countries, saying the constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-26 |title=Tribunal Constitucional no reconoce como válido un matrimonio celebrado en el extranjero por una pareja del mismo sexo.|trans-title=Constitutional Court does not recognize as valid a marriage celebrated abroad by a same-sex couple |url=https://www.diarioconstitucional.cl/2022/06/26/tribunal-constitucional-no-reconoce-como-valido-un-matrimonio-celebrado-en-el-extranjero-por-una-pareja-del-mismo-sexo/ |access-date=2022-07-09 |website=Diario Constitucional |language=es}}</ref>

====2018 Inter-American Court of Human Rights advisory opinion====
On 9 January 2018, the [[Inter-American Court of Human Rights]] (IACHR) issued an [[advisory opinion]] that parties to the [[American Convention on Human Rights]] should grant same-sex couples "accession to all existing domestic legal systems of family registration, including marriage, along with all rights that derive from marriage". On 11 January, the president of the [[Supreme Court of Peru]] and chairman of the country's [[Judiciary of Peru|judiciary]], Duberlí Rodríguez, stated that Peru should abide by the decision.<ref name="peru">{{cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20180112/434230085521/judicatura-peru-debe-respetar-decision-corteidh-sobre-matrimonio-homosexual.html|title=Perú debe respetar decisión CorteIDH sobre matrimonio homosexual|trans-title=Peru must respect CorteIDH decision on homosexual marriage|language=es|work=La Vanguardia}}</ref> On 29 January 2018, Housing Minister Carlos Bruce estimated that same-sex marriage will be allowed in Peru "within two years", and several former Supreme Court judges and lawmakers, including Indira Huilca, stated that same-sex marriage will be allowed in Peru "within two years, no matter what".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ojo.pe/actualidad/carlos-bruce-matrimonio-gay-pronto-peru-251881/|title=Carlos Bruce hace anuncio: "Matrimonio gay se dará pronto en Perú"|trans-title=Carlos Bruce makes announcement: "Gay marriage will happen soon in Peru"|website=ojo.pe|date=30 January 2018|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507033006/https://ojo.pe/actualidad/carlos-bruce-matrimonio-gay-pronto-peru-251881/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rpp.pe/politica/actualidad/huilca-matrimonio-entre-personas-del-mismo-sexo-debe-implementarse-en-el-peru-noticia-1104560|title=Huilca: "Matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo debe implementarse en el Perú"|trans-title=Huilca: "Marriage between people of the same sex should be implemented in Peru"|first=Yohel|last=Cruz|date=11 February 2018|website=RPP}}</ref> In June 2022, the Constitutional Court ruled that the country is not obliged to comply with the IACHR opinion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunkelberg |first=Alonso Gurmendi |date=15 June 2022 |title=Por qué la más reciente decisión en Perú contra el matrimonio igualitario es un despropósito legal|trans-title=Why Peru's most recent decision against equal marriage is a legal absurdity |url=https://www.infobae.com/lgbt/2022/06/15/por-que-la-mas-reciente-sentencia-en-peru-contra-el-matrimonio-igualitario-es-un-desproposito-legal/ |access-date=2022-07-09 |website=infobae |language=es-ES}}</ref>

==Discrimination protections and hate crime laws==
Article 2.2 of [[Constitution of Peru|Peru's Constitution]] stipulates that "every person has the right to equality before the law. No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of origin, race, sex, language, opinion, economic status, or any other distinguishing feature". Sexual orientation and gender identity can be included under "any other distinguishing feature", but are not explicitly mentioned.

Nevertheless, since May 2004, the Constitutional Procedure Code (Law 28.237) expressly provides that the [[Recurso de amparo|writ of amparo]], a constitutional guarantee to protect people from the threat or violation of the rights recognized in the Constitution, can be used in the case of discrimination based on sexual orientation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tc.gob.pe/tc/private/adjuntos/transparencia/pdf/marco_legal/Codigo_Procesal.pdf|title=Código Procesal Constitucional|trans-title=Constitutional Procedural Code|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713161345/http://www.tc.gob.pe/tc/private/adjuntos/transparencia/pdf/marco_legal/Codigo_Procesal.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gloobal.net/iepala/gloobal/fichas/ficha.php?entidad=Textos&id=1995&opcion=documento|title=Gloobal – Discriminación por orientación sexual en Perú: Situación de las lesbianas, trans, gays y bisexuales en Perú|trans-title=Gloobal - Discrimination by sexual orientation in Peru: Situation of lesbians, trans, gays and bisexuals in Peru|website=www.gloobal.net|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921052034/http://www.gloobal.net/iepala/gloobal/fichas/ficha.php?entidad=Textos&id=1995&opcion=documento|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2013, [[Congress of the Republic of Peru|Congress]] voted down, 56–27 with 18 abstentions, a bill to amend Peru's hate crime laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peruvian-congress-voted-down-gay-rights-law-100310 |title=Peruvian Congress voted down gay rights law |access-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507035012/http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peruvian-congress-voted-down-gay-rights-law-100310 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

By February 2016, a new Penal Code had been drafted and was pending within the Justice and Human Rights Committee. It would establish explicit protection to LGBT people against discrimination, persecution and incitement to hatred.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sinetiquetas.org/2015/12/03/alertaperu-comision-de-justicia-eliminaria-orientacion-sexual-e-identidad-de-genero-como-motivos-de-discriminacion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206025200/http://sinetiquetas.org/2015/12/03/alertaperu-comision-de-justicia-eliminaria-orientacion-sexual-e-identidad-de-genero-como-motivos-de-discriminacion/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=6 December 2015|title=#AlertaPerú : Congreso eliminaría orientación sexual e identidad de género como motivos de discriminación|trans-title=#AlertPeru: Congress would eliminate sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination|first=Bruno Fernández De Córdova|last=Jauregui}}</ref> To break the political deadlock within Congress, a governmental decree (Nº 1323) adding the terms sexual orientation and gender identity to existing hate crime and anti-discrimination laws was published in the country's official gazette, with the new Penal Code coming into effect on 7 January 2017.<ref name="DL 1323">{{cite web |title=Decreto Legislativo Nº 1323|trans-title=Legislative Decree No. 1323 |url=http://spij.minjus.gob.pe/CLP/contenidos.dll/CLPlegcargen/coleccion00000.htm/tomo00438.htm/a%C3%B1o488843.htm/mes488844.htm/dia489113.htm/sector489114.htm/sumilla489116.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0#JD_13231 |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924105813/http://spij.minjus.gob.pe/CLP/contenidos.dll/CLPlegcargen/coleccion00000.htm/tomo00438.htm/a%C3%B1o488843.htm/mes488844.htm/dia489113.htm/sector489114.htm/sumilla489116.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0#JD_13231 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The decree was issued by recently elected [[President of Peru|President]] [[Pedro Pablo Kuczynski]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/decreto-legislativo-que-fortalece-la-lucha-contra-el-feminic-decreto-legislativo-n-1323-1471010-2/|title=Decreto Legislativo que fortalece la lucha contra el feminicidio, la violencia familiar y la violencia de género|trans-title=Legislative Decree that strengthens the fight against femicide, family violence and gender violence|website=busquedas.elperuano.pe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sinetiquetas.org/2017/01/06/peru-aprueban-ley-contra-crimenes-de-odio-y-brindan-tratamiento-especializado-a-poblacion-penitenciaria-lgtbiq/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111003508/http://sinetiquetas.org/2017/01/06/peru-aprueban-ley-contra-crimenes-de-odio-y-brindan-tratamiento-especializado-a-poblacion-penitenciaria-lgtbiq/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 January 2017|title=Perú: aprueban ley contra crímenes de odio y brindan tratamiento especializado a población penitenciaria LGTBIQ|trans-title=Peru: law against hate crimes approved and specialized treatment provided to LGTBIQ prison population|first=Bruno Fernández De Córdova|last=Jauregui}}</ref>

However, in May 2017, the [[Congress of Peru|Peruvian Congress]] voted by 66 votes to 29 to remove these provisions from hate crime and anti-discrimination laws. Members of the largest party in Congress, [[Popular Force]], whose leader narrowly lost to Kuczynksi in the [[2016 Peruvian general election|2016 elections]], were joined by members of the [[Alliance for Progress (Peru)|Alliance For Progress]], to remove the provisions issued in the decree.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theperchybird.wordpress.com/2017/05/06/peruvian-congress-votes-to-remove-lgbt-from-hate-crime-legislation/|title=Peruvian Congress Vote to Remove LGBT from Hate Crime Legislation|date=5 May 2017|work=The Perchy Bird Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogdelimagay.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/el-congreso-derogo-proteccion-contra.html|title=El Congreso derogó protección contra crímenes de odio por orientación sexual e identidad de género|trans-title=Congress repealed protection against hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity|date=5 May 2017|work=LimaGay.net}}</ref> Nevertheless, President Kuczynski vetoed the removal, and Congress has since failed to override his veto. As of November 2018, according to Articles 46 and 323 of the Penal Code, the decree issued in 2017 outlawing discrimination, incitement to discrimination, and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still in effect.<ref name="Penal Code 2018">{{cite web |title=Código Penal peruano 2018 actualizado|trans-title=Updated Peruvian Penal Code 2018 |url=https://legis.pe/codigo-penal-peruano-actualizado/ |website=Legis.pe |access-date=24 September 2018 |language=es-ES |date=3 June 2018}}</ref>

The ''[[Olivera Fuentes vs. Peru]]'' case related to events on 11 August 2004, when LGBT activist Crissthian Olivera Fuentes and his partner were expelled from a supermarket in Peru, due to a complaint about their displays of affection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.demus.org.pe/audiencias-decisivas-para-los-derechos-de-personas-y-familias-lgbtq/|title=Audiencias decisivas para los derechos de personas y familias lgbtq|trans-title=Decisive hearings for the rights of lgbtq people and families|website=DEMUS}}</ref><ref name="Olivera:33">{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2022/09/04/caso-crissthian-olivera-corte-idh-revisa-por-primera-vez-caso-de-discriminacion-por-orientacion-sexual-en-peru-matrimonio-gay-igualdad-ante-la-leylgtbiq/|title=Crissthian Olivera: Corte IDH ve por primera vez caso de discriminación por orientación sexual en Perú|trans-title=Crissthian Olivera: IACHR Court sees case of discrimination based on sexual orientation in Peru for the first time|website=larepublica.pe|date=4 September 2022 }}</ref> On 4 February 2023, the [[Inter-American Court of Human Rights]] issued a judgment in favor of Crissthian Olivera, concluding that the Peruvian State had violated Articles 8.1, 11, 24, and 25 of the [[American Convention on Human Rights]], in relation to Article 1.1 of the same instrument.<ref name=":Olivera3">{{Cite web|url=https://corteidh.or.cr/docs/casos/articulos/seriec_484_esp.pdf|title=Caso Olivera Fuentes vs. Perú|trans-title=Case Olivera Fuentes vs. Peru|author=Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos|page=17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elperuano.pe/noticia/212816-suplemento-juridica-el-caso-olivera-fuentes-ante-la-corte-interamericana|title=Suplemento Jurídica: El caso Olivera Fuentes ante la Corte Interamericana|trans-title=Legal Supplement: The Olivera Fuentes case before the Inter-American Court|website=elperuano.pe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elpais.com/sociedad/2023-05-10/crissthian-olivera-el-activista-peruano-que-gano-un-fallo-en-la-corte-idh-por-homofobia-sigo-teniendo-miedo-de-expresar-afecto-en-publico.html|title=Crissthian Olivera, el activista peruano que ganó un fallo en la Corte IDH por homofobia: "Sigo teniendo miedo de expresar afecto en público"|trans-title=Crissthian Olivera, the Peruvian activist who won a ruling in the IACHR Court for homophobia: "I'm still afraid to express affection in public"|website=El País|date=10 May 2023 }}</ref> Declaring the Peruvian State responsible for the harm caused to Crissthian Olivera Fuentes, the court ordered that he be compensated for material and immaterial damages, in accordance with the publication of the judgment in question, and be given immediate, free and effective access to psychological/psychiatric treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://facultad-derecho.pucp.edu.pe/ventana-juridica/apuntes-sobre-el-caso-olivera-fuentes-vs-peru/|title=Apuntes sobre el caso "Olivera Fuentes vs. Perú"|trans-title=Notes on the "Olivera Fuentes vs. Peru" case|website=Facultad de Derecho|date=8 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/actualidad/caso-crissthian-olivera-fuentes-corteidh-condena-a-peru-por-discriminacion-a-pareja-homosexual-en-cafeteria-comunidad-lgtbi-noticia/|title=CorteIDH condena al Perú por discriminación a pareja homosexual en cafetería de un supermercado|trans-title=IACHR condemns Peru for discrimination against homosexual couple in a supermarket cafeteria|newspaper=El Comercio |date=11 April 2023|via=El Comercio (Perú)}}</ref> This was the first reported case of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Peruvian justice system that reached the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caribeafirmativo.lgbt/caso-de-discriminacion-por-orientacion-sexual-en-peru-llego-a-la-corte-interamericana-despues-de-18-anos/|title=Caso de discriminación por orientación sexual en Perú llegó a la CIDH|trans-title=Case of discrimination based on sexual orientation in Peru reached the IACHR|website=Caribe Afirmativo|date=26 August 2022 }}</ref> In addition, the ruling was also the first in the inter-American system in favor of a complainant discriminated against for their sexual orientation by a consumer company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://idehpucp.pucp.edu.pe/analisis1/caso-olivera-fuentes-vs-peru-sentencia-establece-precedente-sobre-discriminacion-por-orientacion-sexual-en-el-ambito-del-consumo/|title=Caso Olivera Fuentes vs Perú: sentencia establece precedente sobre discriminación por orientación sexual en el ámbito del consumo|trans-title=Case Olivera Fuentes vs Peru: sentence establishes precedent on discrimination based on sexual orientation in the field of consumption|website=IDEHPUCP}}</ref>

===Regional laws===
In addition to the 2017 decree prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people nationwide, a number of regions and districts have enacted their own anti-discrimination laws covering among others sexual orientation and gender identity. These are [[Ayacucho Region|Ayacucho]], [[La Libertad Region|La Libertad]], [[Loreto Region|Loreto]], [[Moquegua Region|Moquegua]], [[San Martín Region|San Martín]], [[Tacna Region|Tacna]] and [[Ucayali Region|Ucayali]], as well as the districts of [[Alto Selva Alegre District|Alto Selva Alegre]], [[Castilla District|Castilla]], [[Miraflores District, Lima|Miraflores (Lima)]], and [[Pueblo Libre]]. Others have protections but only on the basis of sexual orientation: [[Amazonas (Peruvian department)|Amazonas]], [[Apurímac Region|Apurímac]], [[Callao]], [[Huancavelica Region|Huancavelica]], [[Huánuco Region|Huánuco]], [[Ica Region|Ica]], [[Junín region|Junín]] and [[Madre de Dios Region|Madre de Dios]], as well as the provinces of [[Cajamarca Province|Cajamarca]], [[Cañete Province|Cañete]], [[Cutervo Province|Cutervo]], [[Lambayeque Province|Lambayeque]], [[Lima Province|Lima]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/lima/municipalidad-lima-aprobo-ordenanza-metropolitana-forma-discriminacion-fotos-475365|title=Municipalidad de Lima aprobó Ordenanza Metropolitana contra toda forma de discriminación|trans-title=Municipality of Lima approved Metropolitan Ordinance against all forms of discrimination|website=Perú21|date=30 April 2019|language=es|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503085952/https://peru21.pe/lima/municipalidad-lima-aprobo-ordenanza-metropolitana-forma-discriminacion-fotos-475365|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Piura Province|Piura]], [[Santa Province|Santa]] and [[Sullana Province|Sullana]], and the districts of [[Ancón District|Ancón]], [[Chaclacayo]], [[Characato District|Characato]], [[Jacobo Hunter District|Jacobo Hunter]], [[Jesús María District, Lima|Jesús María]], [[Lince District|Lince]], [[Majes District|Majes]], [[Miraflores District, Arequipa|Miraflores (Arequipa)]], [[Morropón District|Morropón]], [[Pachacamac District|Pachacamac]], [[Picsi District|Picsi]], [[San Isidro District, Lima|San Isidro]], [[San Juan de Lurigancho]], [[San Miguel District, Lima|San Miguel]], [[Saña District|Saña]], [[Santa Anita District|Santa Anita]], [[Santa María del Mar District (Peru)|Santa María del Mar]], [[Santiago de Surco]] and [[Villa El Salvador]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bvs.minsa.gob.pe/local/MINSA/3821.pdf|title=Derechos humanos de las personas LGBTI: Necesidad de una política pública para la igualdad en el Perú|trans-title=Human rights of LGBTI people: Need for a public policy for equality in Peru}}</ref>

==Gender identity and expression==
Transgender people are allowed to change their name so that it matches their gender identity. In May 2014, the Peruvian Constitutional Court ruled that a transgender woman could not change her gender on her national identity document.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-rejects-change-of-gender-for-transgender-individuals-on-national-identity-document-102891 |title=Peru rejects change of gender for transgender individuals on national identity document |access-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221205200/http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-rejects-change-of-gender-for-transgender-individuals-on-national-identity-document-102891 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 4 November 2016, a bill allowing transgender people to legally change their gender without the need for surgery was introduced in the Peruvian Congress. The bill also seeks to allow transgender people access to passports and other identity documents which match their gender identity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sinetiquetas.org/2016/11/04/peru-necesita-una-ley-identidad-genero-hoy-se-algo-importante/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424160010/http://sinetiquetas.org/2016/11/04/peru-necesita-una-ley-identidad-genero-hoy-se-algo-importante/|url-status=usurped|title=Perú necesita una Ley de Identidad de Género y hoy se hizo algo importante|trans-title=Peru needs a Gender Identity Law and today something important was done|first=Esther|last=Vargas|archive-date=24 April 2017}}</ref> As of March 2021, the Gender Identity Law is pending in the legislature, supported by Congresswomen Rocío Silva Santisteban, Carolina Lizárraga, Mónica Saavedra, and the independent parliamentarian Arlette Contreras.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://aldianews.com/articles/culture/social/perus-gender-identity-law-advances-congress-after-four-years-obstacles/63733|first=Natalia|last=Puertas Cavero|title=Peru's Gender Identity Law advances in Congress after four years of obstacles|work=Aldia News|date=31 March 2021|access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref>

On 21 October 2016, the Constitutional Court of Peru reversed its 2014 decision, in which the court had determined that sex could only be biological and chromosomal. In this new ruling, published on 8 November, the court acknowledged that people are not only defined by their biological sex, but one must also take into consideration their psychic and social reality. Therefore, the court now recognizes the right of transgender persons to their gender identity. With this decision, transgender people in Peru may apply for a gender change through a judicial process without the need for [[sex reassignment surgery]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sinetiquetas.org/2016/11/08/peru-tribunal-constitucional-reconoce-derecho-la-identidad-genero/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111184517/http://sinetiquetas.org/2016/11/08/peru-tribunal-constitucional-reconoce-derecho-la-identidad-genero/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 November 2016|title=Perú: Tribunal Constitucional reconoce derecho a la identidad de género|trans-title=Peru: Constitutional Court recognizes right to gender identity|first=Bruno Fernández De Córdova|last=Jauregui}}</ref> Judges Manuel Miranda Canales, Marianella Ledesma Narváez, Carlos Ramos Núñez and Eloy Espinosa-Saldaña Barrera were part of the majority.

In May 2024, Peru's government released a decree declaring "transsexualism" to be a "mental health problem" in order for transgender people's healthcare to be covered by the government's universal health insurance. The [[Ministry of Health (Peru)|Ministry of Health]] (MINSA) released a statement saying that "gender and sexual diversity are not diseases ... In this framework, we express our respect for gender identities, as well as our rejection of the stigmatization of sexual diversity in the country." MINSA further stated that the decree does not imply transgender people should undergo conversion therapy, which is banned in Peru. Despite this, the decree drew outrage from the Peruvian LGBT community for linking transgender identity to mental illness.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/peru-adds-transsexualism-as-mental-health-disorder-covered-by-insurance-souther-america-lgbtq-gay-lesbian-transgender-transgenderism-trans-rights-insurance-peruvian|first=Jackson|last=Walker|title=Peru adds 'transsexualism' as mental health disorder covered by insurance|work=The National Desk|date=15 May 2024|access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref> In the following days, hundreds of protesters marched in Peru's capital in favor of transgender rights, demanding that the decision be reversed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/peru-protesters-slam-new-insurance-law-that-deems-transgender-people-mentally-2024-05-18/|title=Peru protesters slam new insurance law that deems transgender people mentally ill|work=Reuters|date=18 May 2024|access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref> The following month in June 2024, Peru's government modified the decree following the backlash and protests from the LGBT community. MINSA said it would not refer to transgender people as suffering from any disorder or mental health problem, but instead will use the term "gender discordance" for purposes of health classifications eligible for universal health insurance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/peru-stop-labeling-transgender-people-mentally-ill-rcna158948|title=Peru to stop labeling transgender people as mentally ill |work=NBC News|date=25 June 2024|access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240626-peru-abandons-mental-disorder-label-for-trans-people|title=Peru abandons 'mental disorder' label for trans people |work=[[France 24]]|date=26 June 2024|access-date=26 May 2024}}</ref>

==Conversion therapy==
Medical professionals are banned from practicing [[conversion therapy]] in Peru. The Ministry of Health clarified that sexual orientation and gender identity are not diseases and thus they should not be subject to conversion therapies in May 2024, reiterating a 2021 technical document.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-05-12 |title=Ministerio peruano aclara que diversidad de género y sexual no es considerada enfermedad|trans-title=Peruvian Ministry clarifies that gender and sexual diversity is not considered a disease |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2024/05/12/ministerio-peruano-aclara-que-diversidad-de-genero-y-sexual-no-es-considerada-enfermedad/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=[[Infobae]] |language=es-ES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Orientaciones técnicas para el cuidado integral de la salud mental de la población adolescente|trans-title=Technical guidelines for comprehensive mental health care of the adolescent population |url=https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/1944836/Documento%20T%C3%A9cnico%20-Orientaciones%20T%C3%A9cnicas%20para%20el%20Cuidado%20integral%20de%20la%20Salud%20Mental%20de%20la%20Poblaci%C3%B3n%20Adolescente.pdf |access-date=13 May 2024 |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513150958/https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/1944836/Documento%20T%C3%A9cnico%20-Orientaciones%20T%C3%A9cnicas%20para%20el%20Cuidado%20integral%20de%20la%20Salud%20Mental%20de%20la%20Poblaci%C3%B3n%20Adolescente.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Military service==
According to Section 269 of the Military Penal Code of 1988, military and police personnel who engaged in same-sex sexual activity, could be punished with between 60 days to 20 years imprisonment or discharge from the forces.<ref name="ilga.info">[http://www.ilga.info/Information/Legal_survey/americas/peru.htm Legal survey: Peru] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813215305/http://www.ilga.info/Information/Legal_survey/americas/peru.htm |date=13 August 2007 }} Retrieved 23 August 2007.</ref> Although being homosexual was not expliticly forbidden, recruiters would routinely reject applicants whom they suspected of being homosexual.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Senate Committee on Armed Services |author-link=Senate Committee on Armed Services |title=Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces: Hearings Before the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred Third Congress, Second Session, March 29, 31; April 29; May 7, 10, 11; July 20, 21, 22, 1993 |date=1994 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |isbn=978-0-16-046288-7 |page=920 |language=en}}</ref> On 9 June 2004, the [[Constitutional Court of Peru]] ruled that it was a form of unconstitutional discrimination to discharge people who committed homosexual acts from the military, given that equivalent heterosexual acts were allowed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sentencia 0023-2003-AI/TC, Constitutional Tribunal of Peru (9 June 2004) |url=https://www.icj.org/sogicasebook/sentencia-0023-2003-aitc-constitutional-tribunal-of-peru-9-june-2004/ |website=International Commission of Jurists |access-date=5 September 2020}}</ref>

==Blood donation==
In July 2015, in response to a lesbian woman who was turned down from donating blood due to her sexual orientation, the Health Ministry issued a statement condemning the incident and affirming that one's sexual orientation is not an impediment to donate blood.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.minsa.gob.pe/portada/Especiales/2010/donasangre/?op=6 |title=Blood donation: Frequent questions |access-date=13 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701224414/http://www.minsa.gob.pe/portada/Especiales/2010/donasangre/?op=6 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/lima/mujer-pudo-donar-sangre-lesbiana-esto-dice-ley-174198-noticia/|title=Mujer no pudo donar sangre por ser lesbiana: esto dice la ley|trans-title=Woman could not donate blood for being lesbian: this is what the law says|first=Redacción El Comercio|last=Perú|date=8 July 2015|newspaper=El Comercio}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://peru21.pe/actualidad/esta-persona-decidio-donar-sangre-no-se-lo-permitieron-lesbiana-2222529|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812044036/http://peru21.pe/actualidad/esta-persona-decidio-donar-sangre-no-se-lo-permitieron-lesbiana-2222529|url-status=dead|title=Minsa: "Orientación sexual no es impedimento para donación de sangre"|trans-title=Minsa: "Sexual orientation is not an impediment to blood donation"|archive-date=12 August 2017}}</ref>

Nevertheless, when comedian and playwright Carolina Silva Santisteban applied to donate blood in early 2018, her application was rejected on the basis of her sexual orientation. Theoretically, blood donation rules in Peru do not prevent homosexual applicants from donating, if they are otherwise in good health, though in practice several blood drives have rejected such applicants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distintaslatitudes.net/donar-sangre-si-eres-lgbti-en-america-latina|title=Donar Sangre Si Eres LGBTI+: Historias De Exclusión Y Discriminación Sutil En América Latina|trans-title=Donating Blood If You Are LGBTI+: Stories of Exclusion and Subtle Discrimination in Latin America|work=Distintas Latitudes|date=27 August 2018}}</ref>

==Living conditions==
[[File:LGBT-Iquitos.JPG|thumb|right|260px|An anti-homophobia protest in [[Iquitos]]|alt=People in purple t-shirts gathered around a large rainbow flag spread on the ground, with additional rainbow flags visible in the background]]
[[File:Quipu de la Memoria LGBTI (MHOL).jpg|thumb|A rainbow-coloured [[quipu]] called {{lang|es|Quipu de la Memoria LGBTI}}, 'Quipu of LGBTI Memory', representing the LGBTI community in Peru]]
Peruvian society is generally regarded as hostile to LGBT people. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] holds heavy influence in the country. As such, attitudes towards the LGBT community tend to reflect Catholic morals. Nevertheless, attitudes have become more accepting and tolerant, in line with worldwide trends. Recent legislation and court rulings have also granted LGBT people more and more legal rights, such as the right to donate blood, the right for transgender people to change legal gender, the right to serve openly in the military, and the right to be protected from discrimination.

In May 2015, [[PlanetRomeo]], an LGBT social network, published its first Gay Happiness Index (GHI). Gay men from over 120 countries were asked about how they feel about society's view on homosexuality, how do they experience the way they are treated by other people and how satisfied are they with their lives. Peru was ranked 87th with a GHI score of 24.<ref>[https://www.planetromeo.com/en/lgbt/gay-happiness-index/ The Gay Happiness Index. The very first worldwide country ranking, based on the input of 115,000 gay men] Planet Romeo</ref>

In 2020, the [[Inter-American Court of Human Rights]] ruled that Azul Rojas Marín, then living as a gay man, had been tortured in police custody in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=Azul Rojas Marín: Peru found responsible for torture of LGBT person |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-52204222 |access-date=5 September 2020 |work=BBC News |date=7 April 2020}}</ref>

===Pride parades===
[[File:RonaldMovLGTB.jpg|thumb|right|The ''Movimiento Homosexual de Lima'' at Lima Pride in 2011|alt=Group of people at a pride parade holding a banner]]
Annual pride parades are held in [[Lima]], [[Arequipa]], [[Trujillo, Peru|Trujillo]], [[Chiclayo]], [[Iquitos]], [[Piura]], [[Cusco]], and [[Callao]]. In 2017, Lima's parade attracted record numbers, and was attended by several prominent politicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/891294-marcha-del-orgullo-gay-inicio-la-movilizacion-por-las-calles-de-lima-en-vivo/|title=Marcha del Orgullo Gay: Miles de personas llenaron la plaza San Martín|trans-title=Gay Pride March: Thousands of people filled San Martín square|first=Redacción|last=LR|date=28 May 2019|website=larepublica.pe}}</ref>

===Education===
The 2016 national education curriculum includes information on sexual orientation, sex and gender issues. Sexual orientation is officially described as "an emotional and sexual attraction towards another person. It is not a voluntary choice that a person makes in a moment and then changes it. It is rather the result of a complex interaction of many circumstances throughout life (biological, cognitive and environmental aspects)".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minedu.gob.pe/curriculo/pdf/rm-n-159-2017-minedu.pdf|title=Resolución Ministerial N° 159- 2017 - MINEDU|trans-title=Ministerial Resolution No. 159- 2017 - MINEDU|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://redaccion.lamula.pe/2017/03/09/curriculo-nacional-ministerio-de-educacion-cambios-ideologia-de-genero/jorgepaucar/|title=Estos son los cambios al Currículo Nacional de Educación|trans-title=These are the changes to the National Education Curriculum|website=redaccion.lamula.pe}}</ref>

===Public opinion===
In August 2010, a poll revealed 8.3% of Peruvians approved of [[same-sex marriage]], with higher percentage amongst people from [[Lima]] and younger people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cpi.com.pe/descargas/OPNA20100809.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814011642/http://cpi.com.pe/descargas/OPNA20100809.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Estudio de Opinión Pública a Nivel Perú Urbano - Informe de resultados - (5 al 9 de agosto de 2010)|trans-title=Public Opinion Study at Urban Peru Level - Results report - (August 5-9, 2010)|archive-date=14 August 2011}}</ref>

According to a [[Pew Research Center]] survey, conducted between 13 November and 16 December 2013, 14% of Peruvians supported same-sex marriage, with 81% opposed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/chapter-5-social-attitudes/|title=Social Attitudes on Moral Issues in Latin America|work=Pew Research Center|date=13 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/appendix-a-methodology/|title=Appendix A: Methodology|work=Pew Research Center|date=13 November 2014}}</ref>

The 2017 AmericasBarometer showed that 28% of Peruvians supported same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanderbilt.edu/lapop/dr/AB2016-17_Dominican_Republic_Country_Report_W_12.11.17.pdf|title=Cultura Política de la Democracia en la República Dominicana y en las Américas, 2016/17|trans-title=Political Culture of Democracy in the Dominican Republic and in the Americas, 2016/17}}</ref>

A poll by the ''Instituto de Estudios Peruanos'' (IEP), carried out between June 2016 and May 2019, indicated that the percentage of Peruvians who opposed same-sex marriage had dropped from 68% to 59%. The IEP poll also found that the percentage of people "at odds" with same-sex unions had also reduced from 51% to 40%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2019/06/23/mas-peruanos-a-favor-del-matrimonio-igualitario/|title=Más peruanos a favor del matrimonio igualitario|trans-title=More Peruvians in favor of equal marriage|last=LR|first=Redacción|date=2019-06-23|website=larepublica.pe|language=es|access-date=2019-07-05}}</ref>

According to a June 2019 opinion survey, 49% of Peruvians had a "favourable" opinion towards homosexuals, with 33% having an "unfavourable" opinion and 18% undecided. Women (53%), residents of [[Lima]] (53%), 18–24-year-olds (66%) and those who personally knew an openly gay person (85%) said they had a favourable opinion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/peru/lgtb-49-peruanos-dice-opinion-favorable-homosexuales-noticia-ecpm-650549|title=LGTB: el 49% de peruanos dice que tiene opinión favorable hacia los homosexuales|trans-title=LGTB: 49% of Peruvians say they have a favorable opinion towards homosexuals|website=El Comercio|date=29 June 2019|language=es|last=Fernández Calvo|first=Lourdes}}</ref>

==Summary table==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Same-sex sexual activity legal
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 1924)
|-
| Equal age of consent (14)
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2012)
|-
| Anti-discrimination laws in employment
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2017)
|-
| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2017)
|-
| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2017)
|-
| Hate crime laws include sexual orientation and gender identity
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2017, through an aggravating circumstance)
|-
| Same-sex marriage
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|Pending]]
|-
| Recognition of same-sex couples (e.g. civil unions)
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|Pending]]
|-
| Adoption for single people regardless of sexual orientation
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples
| [[Image:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Joint adoption by same-sex couples
| [[Image:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals allowed to serve openly in the military
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2004)
|-
| Transgender individuals allowed to serve openly in the military
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Right to change legal gender
| [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (Since 2016)
|-
| Intersex minors protected from invasive surgical procedures
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| [[Third gender]] option
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Automatic parenthood for both spouses after birth
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Access to IVF for lesbians
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| [[Conversion therapy]] banned
| [[File:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
| [[Image:X mark.svg|15px|No]]
|-
| [[Men who have sex with men|MSM]]s allowed to donate blood
|  [[File:Yes check.svg|15px|Yes]] (No official prohibition)
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|LGBTQ|Peru}}
* [[Human rights in Peru]]
* [[LGBT rights in the Americas]]
* [[Same-sex union court cases]]
* [[La Hoyada massacre]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.mhol.org.pe/ Official website of the Movimiento Homosexual de Lima (MHOL)]—Gay and lesbian group established in 1982. (in Spanish)

{{Peru topics |collapsed}}
{{South America in topic|LGBT rights in}}

[[Category:LGBTQ rights in Peru| ]]