LGBTQ rights in Puerto Rico
{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox LGBT rights
| location_header = Puerto Rico
| image = LocationPuertoRico.png
| caption = Puerto Rico
| legal_status = Legal since 2003; codified in 2006
| military=
Sexual orientation: Yes
Gender identity: Yes
Transvestism: No
Intersex status: No
| gender_identity_expression = Transgender people are legally allowed to change their gender
| recognition_of_relationships = Same-sex marriage since 2015{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2015/07/13/same-sex-couples-apply-for-marriage-licenses-in-puerto-rico/|title=Same-sex couples apply for marriage licenses in Puerto Rico|date=13 July 2015|publisher=Washington Blade|author=Michael Lavers|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426151725/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2015/07/13/same-sex-couples-apply-for-marriage-licenses-in-puerto-rico/|url-status=live}}
| recognition_of_relationships_restrictions =
| adoption = Full adoption rights since 2015
| discrimination_protections = As of June 2020, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was removed from the new civil code of Puerto Rico - enacted with a signature from the Governor of Puerto Rico Wanda Vázquez Garced.{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/06/02/puerto-rico-governor-signs-new-civil-code/|title=Puerto Rico governor signs new Civil Code|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605183649/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/06/02/puerto-rico-governor-signs-new-civil-code/|url-status=live}}
}}
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Puerto Rico have most of the same protections and rights as non-LGBT individuals. Public discussion and debate about sexual orientation and gender identity issues has increased, and some legal changes have been made. Supporters and opponents of legislation protecting the rights of LGBT persons can be found in both of the major political parties. Public opposition still exists due, in large part, to the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as socially conservative Protestants. Puerto Rico has a great influence on the legal rights of LGBT citizens. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the commonwealth since July 2015, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional.
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
In 2002, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court ruled that the commonwealth's ban on sodomy was constitutional.{{cite web|date=2003-03-14|title=Puerto Rico's Sodomy Law Just "Tip of the Iceberg"|url=http://www.thegully.com/essays/gaymundo/030313_lgbt_puerto_rico.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305220532/http://www.thegully.com/essays/gaymundo/030313_lgbt_puerto_rico.html|archive-date=2021-03-05|access-date=2012-05-05|publisher=Thegully.com}} The next year, however, the U.S. Supreme Court declared unconstitutional all state and territorial statutes penalizing consensual sodomy, when limited to noncommercial acts between consenting adults in private, in Lawrence v. Texas. Puerto Rico modified its Penal Code in 2004 to reflect the decision and remove private, non-commercial sexual activity between consenting adults from its sodomy statute.{{cite web|title=2004 Penal Code of Puerto Rico|url=http://www.oslpr.org/english/pdf/penal%20code.pdf|access-date=February 7, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016033001/http://www.oslpr.org/english/PDF/penal%20code.pdf|url-status=dead}}
Recognition of same-sex relationships
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Puerto Rico}}
=Legal restrictions=
On March 19, 1999, Governor Pedro Rosselló signed into law H.B. 1013, which defined marriage as "a civil contract whereby a man and a woman mutually agree to become husband and wife."{{cite web|url=http://www.oslpr.org/download/en/1999/0094.pdf|title=H.B. 1013|date=March 19, 1999|work=Oficina de Servicios Legislativos|access-date=February 5, 2012|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002234757/http://www.oslpr.org/download/en/1999/0094.pdf|url-status=dead}}
In 2008, there was an unsuccessful attempt in the Legislative Assembly to submit a referendum to voters to amend Puerto Rico's Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and to ban same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnership benefits.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-23-referendum-puertorico_N.htm |title=Puerto Rico gov. allows referendum against gay marriage |work=USA Today |date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623060332/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-23-referendum-puertorico_N.htm |url-status=live }} Similar legislation failed in 2009.[http://www.puertoricolifestyle.com/arts/1426-gay-puerto-rico.php Good news for gays of Puerto Rico] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603084253/http://www.puertoricolifestyle.com/arts/1426-gay-puerto-rico.php |date=June 3, 2015 }}
=''Conde-Vidal v. Garcia-Padilla''=
Two women residing in Puerto Rico, represented by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on March 25, 2014, seeking recognition of their 2004 marriage in Massachusetts.{{cite news|agency=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/puerto-rican-sex-marriages-recognized-23067316|title=Puerto Rican Wants Same-Sex Marriages Recognized|date=March 26, 2014|access-date=March 30, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331082257/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/puerto-rican-sex-marriages-recognized-23067316|url-status=live}} Four more couples joined as plaintiffs in June.{{cite news|last1=Lavers|first1=Michael K.|title=Four same-sex couples join Puerto Rico marriage lawsuit|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/06/25/four-sex-couples-join-puerto-rico-marriage-lawsuit/|access-date=September 24, 2014|work=Washington Blade|date=June 25, 2014|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001170913/http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/06/25/four-sex-couples-join-puerto-rico-marriage-lawsuit/|url-status=live}}
Judge Juan Pérez-Giménez dismissed the lawsuit on October 21, 2014, ruling that the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Baker v. Nelson (1972) prevented him from considering the plaintiffs' arguments. He concluded that Puerto Rico's definition of marriage did not conflict with the U.S. Constitution.{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Chris|title=Judge upholds Puerto Rico ban on same-sex marriage|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/10/21/judge-upholds-puerto-rico-ban-sex-marriage/|access-date=October 12, 2014|work=Washington Blade|date=October 12, 2014|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001165330/http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/10/21/judge-upholds-puerto-rico-ban-sex-marriage/|url-status=live}}
The plaintiffs appealed the decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 20, 2015, Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice César Miranda and Governor Alejandro García Padilla announced they had determined that Puerto Rico's statute banning the licensing and recognition of same-sex marriage was legally indefensible.{{cite news|title=Expresiones del Gobernador Alejandro García Padilla|url=http://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/content/expresiones-del-gobernador-alejandro-garc-padilla|access-date=March 20, 2015|publisher=Office of the Governor|date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320215039/http://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/content/expresiones-del-gobernador-alejandro-garc-padilla|archive-date=March 20, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} They asked the Court of Appeals to reverse the district court.{{cite web|title=Brief of Defendants-Appellees in Puerto Rico marriage case|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/259416947/16813425-Puerto-Rico-s-Brief|website=Scribd.com|publisher=First Circuit Court of Appeals|access-date=March 20, 2015|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231004948/https://www.scribd.com/doc/259416947/16813425-Puerto-Rico-s-Brief|url-status=live}}
On April 14, 2015, the First Circuit suspended proceedings pending a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in similar same-sex marriage cases.{{cite news|url=http://www.equalityontrial.com/2015/04/14/first-circuit-arguments-puerto-rico-marriage-case-supreme-court-decides-issue/|agency=Equality on Trial|first=Scottie|last=Thomaston|title=First Circuit: No arguments in Puerto Rico marriage case until Supreme Court decides issue|date=April 14, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2015|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007043314/http://www.equalityontrial.com/2015/04/14/first-circuit-arguments-puerto-rico-marriage-case-supreme-court-decides-issue/|url-status=live}}
=Supreme Court decision=
As soon as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015, that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, Governor Padilla signed an executive order requiring government agencies to comply with the ruling within 15 days,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/puerto-rico-amend-laws-us-ruling-gay-marriage-163116456.html|title=Puerto Rico amends laws after US ruling on gay marriage|publisher=Yahoo News|agency=Associated Press|date=June 26, 2015|author=Danica Coto|access-date=January 14, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304233905/http://news.yahoo.com/puerto-rico-amend-laws-us-ruling-gay-marriage-163116456.html|url-status=live}} and all parties to the Conde-Vidal lawsuit asked the First Circuit to overrule the district court as soon as possible.{{cite web | url= http://files.eqcf.org/cases/14-2184-joint-proposal-further-proceedings/ | title= Joint Proposal Further Proceedings | access-date= June 27, 2015 | archive-date= June 28, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180628072500/http://files.eqcf.org/cases/14-2184-joint-proposal-further-proceedings/ | url-status= live }} The first same-sex couples began applying for marriage licenses on July 13, 2015.
In June 2018, a bill removing the heterosexual definition of marriage in Puerto Rican law and instead substituting a gender-neutral definition was introduced to the Puerto Rican Legislative Assembly. The bill would also raise the age of marriage from 14 to 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/politica/nota/charbornieranunciaradicaciondeproyectodeleydelnuevocodigocivil-2429313/|title=Charbornier anuncia radicación de proyecto de ley del nuevo Código Civil|date=June 18, 2018|website=El Nuevo Dia|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619004515/https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/politica/nota/charbornieranunciaradicaciondeproyectodeleydelnuevocodigocivil-2429313/|url-status=live}}
In June 2020, Governor Wanda Vasquez signed into law a new Civil Code which deleted the previous ban on same-sex marriage, making marriage gender neutral.{{Cite news |title=New Puerto Rican Civil Code changes rights around marriage, divorce and wills |url=https://www.step.org/industry-news/new-puerto-rican-civil-code-changes-rights-around-marriage-divorce-and-wills}}
=Domestic partner benefits=
=Domestic violence=
In 2013, Representatives Luis Vega Ramos, Carlos Vargas Ferrer and José Báez Rivera introduced House Bill 488 to extend domestic violence protections to all households, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.{{cite web|url=http://aldia.microjuris.com/2013/01/29/proyectos-legislativos-buscan-prohibir-discrimen-por-razon-de-genero-e-incluir-a-parejas-del-mismo-sexo-en-la-proteccion-de-violencia-domestica/|title=Proyectos legislativos buscan prohibir discrimen en comunidades LGBTT|work=Microjuris - Puerto Rico|date=January 29, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627190858/http://aldia.microjuris.com/2013/01/29/proyectos-legislativos-buscan-prohibir-discrimen-por-razon-de-genero-e-incluir-a-parejas-del-mismo-sexo-en-la-proteccion-de-violencia-domestica/|url-status=live}} The House passed the legislation on 24 May. Governor Garcia Padilla signed the legislation into law on 29 May.
Adoption and parenting
Following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, Puerto Rico's Department of Family ordered agency workers to consider only the "best interests of the child without prejudice" in future adoption and foster home placements. Families headed by same-sex couples are also entitled to apply for benefits such as those offered to opposite-sex families. These policies were announced on July 13, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://translate.google.com.au/translate?sl=es&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elnuevodia.com%2Fnoticias%2Flocales%2Fnota%2Fparejasgaypodrianadoptarmenoresenpuertorico-2072717%2F|title=Gay couples may adopt children in Puerto Rico (English translated version)|publisher=El Nuevo Dia|date=13 July 2015|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511214602/http://translate.google.com.au/translate?sl=es&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elnuevodia.com%2Fnoticias%2Flocales%2Fnota%2Fparejasgaypodrianadoptarmenoresenpuertorico-2072717%2F|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/nota/parejasgaypodrianadoptarmenoresenpuertorico-2072717/|title=Parejas gay podrían adoptar menores en Puerto Rico (Spanish original version)|publisher=El Nuevo Dia|date=13 July 2015|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714165528/http://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/nota/parejasgaypodrianadoptarmenoresenpuertorico-2072717/|url-status=live}} The first successful adoption order for a same-sex couple in Puerto Rico was approved by a Puerto Rican court on December 10, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/12/puerto-rico-for-first-time-allows-same-sex-couple-to-adopt/|title=For the first time, Puerto Rico allows same-sex couple to adopt|agency=Associated Press|publisher=LGBTQ Nation|date=10 December 2015|access-date=December 14, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411015846/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/12/puerto-rico-for-first-time-allows-same-sex-couple-to-adopt/|url-status=live}}
Prior to this directive, adoption of children by same-sex couples and stepchild adoption by same-sex partners was prohibited by Puerto Rican law. In February 2013, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, in a 5–4 decision, affirmed the practised ban on same-sex adoption in Puerto Rico. The court's majority opinion held that Puerto Rico's Constitution "does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation" and accepted arguments presented by the Legislative Assembly that the "traditional family, composed of a father, a mother, and their children best protected the well-being of minors."{{cite web|title=Puerto Rico Supreme Court upholds gay adoption ban|url=http://www.advocate.com/society/law/2013/02/20/puerto-rico-supreme-court-upholds-gay-adoption-ban|access-date=October 23, 2014|date=February 20, 2013|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023062833/http://www.advocate.com/society/law/2013/02/20/puerto-rico-supreme-court-upholds-gay-adoption-ban|url-status=live}} In January 2018, Governor Ricardo Rosselló signed into law a bill which brought Puerto Rico's adoption laws in line with Obergefell v. Hodges. The law now explicitly allows all couples, same-sex or opposite-sex, married or unmarried, to apply to adopt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/gobernador-aprueba-adopci-n-para-parejas-homosexuales-y-no-casadas/article_738465c6-0452-11e8-9d35-8b7de41a7107.html|title=Gobernador aprueba adopción para parejas homosexuales y no casadas|first=Redacción|last=elvocero.com|website=El Vocero de Puerto Rico|access-date=July 3, 2018|archive-date=January 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128225902/http://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/gobernador-aprueba-adopci-n-para-parejas-homosexuales-y-no-casadas/article_738465c6-0452-11e8-9d35-8b7de41a7107.html|url-status=live}}
Discrimination protections
An anti-discrimination bill (House Bill 1725) was introduced on May 21, 2009 to the island's House of Representatives, and it was approved by a 43 to 6 vote on November 11, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.oslpr.org/files/docs/%7BFA1978E4-7F53-4218-907E-A8937D357C69%7D.doc|title=Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico Decimosexta Asamblea Legislativa P C1725 Certificación de Votación|date=November 11, 2009|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-date=September 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927121912/http://www.oslpr.org/files/docs/%7BFA1978E4-7F53-4218-907E-A8937D357C69%7D.doc|url-status=live}} House Bill 1725 would have amended existing Puerto Rican civil rights laws to forbid discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of employment, public transportation and public facilities, business transactions, and housing. The legislation addressed sexual orientation only, not gender identity. The bill was referred to Puerto Rico's Senate and first discussed on December 18, 2009. The Senate Committees for Labor & Human Resources, and for Civil Matters, were both reviewing the measure. However, the President of the Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, a vocal opponent of the legislation, stated in early April 2010 on the Senate floor that the legislation would not be approved by the Senate. The Senate held no hearings and took no action.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prparatodos.org/comunicados/2010/2010-04-14+vistas+somoza.pdf|title=Tambahkan Peningkatan Bisnis Anda Dengan Pemasaran Facebook|website=www.prparatodos.org|access-date=March 19, 2023|archive-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319022114/https://www.prparatodos.org/comunicados/2010/2010-04-14+vistas+somoza.pdf|url-status=live}} At the same time, Governor Luis Fortuño, a member of the island's New Progressive Party and affiliated with the mainland Republican Party indicated that any discrimination law needs to state exemptions for organizations that object to homosexuality on the grounds of beliefs.
In 2013, Senator Ramón Luis Nieves introduced Senate Bill 238 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It acquired 14 co-sponsors, assuring its passage.{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/noticias/gobierno-politica/nota/medidaparaprohibirdiscrimenpororientacionsexualtienelosvotosenelsenado-800263/|title=Medida para prohibir discrimen por orientación sexual tiene los votos en el Senado|work=Primera Hora|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133714/http://www.primerahora.com/noticias/gobierno-politica/nota/medidaparaprohibirdiscrimenpororientacionsexualtienelosvotosenelsenado-800263/|url-status=live}} The Senate approved the legislation 15 to 11. By the time it passed by the House on a vote of 29 to 22 on 24 May, it had been amended to apply only to employment discrimination.{{cite news|title=Puerto Rico Outlaws Discrimination Based On Gender Or Sexual Orientation|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2013/05/25/puerto-rico-outlaws-discrimination-based-on-gender-or-sexual-orientation/|access-date=May 30, 2013|newspaper=Fox News Latino|date=May 25, 2013|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413082725/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2013/05/25/puerto-rico-outlaws-discrimination-based-on-gender-or-sexual-orientation/|url-status=live}} After final action by the Senate, Governor Garcia Padilla signed the legislation into law on 29 May.{{cite news|title=Puerto Rico governor signs bills for gay rights|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2013/05/29/puerto-rico-governor-signs-bills-for-gay-rights|access-date=May 30, 2013|newspaper=U.S. News & World Report|date=May 29, 2013|archive-date=August 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805041015/http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2013/05/29/puerto-rico-governor-signs-bills-for-gay-rights|url-status=live}}
In 2017, the Puerto Rican Legislative Assembly approved a religious freedom bill, which would have authorized public businesses to legally discriminate against LGBT people. Governor Ricardo Rosselló vetoed the bill in February 2018.[http://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/02/07/puerto-rico-governor-vetoes-religious-freedom-bill/ Puerto Rico governor vetoes religious freedom bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727173332/http://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/02/07/puerto-rico-governor-vetoes-religious-freedom-bill/ |date=July 27, 2018 }}, The Washington Blade, February 7, 2018 On 11 June 2019, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives voted to approve a new religious freedom bill, amid outcry and protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/06/12/puerto-rico-house-of-representatives-approves-religious-freedom-bill/|title=Puerto Rico House of Representatives approves religious freedom bill|work=The Washington Blade|date=12 June 2019|last=Lavers|first=Michael K.|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618141318/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/06/12/puerto-rico-house-of-representatives-approves-religious-freedom-bill/|url-status=live}} On 13 June 2019, Rosselló asked lawmakers to withdraw the bill.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/04/26/puerto-rico-activists-criticize-religious-freedom-conversion-therapy-bills/|title=Puerto Rico activists criticize religious freedom, conversion therapy bills|work=The Washington Blade|date=26 April 2019|last=Lavers|first=Michael K.|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609211321/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/04/26/puerto-rico-activists-criticize-religious-freedom-conversion-therapy-bills/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/06/13/puerto-rico-governor-tells-lawmakers-to-withdraw-religious-freedom-conversion-therapy-bills/|title=Puerto Rico governor tells lawmakers to withdraw religious freedom, conversion therapy bills|work=The Washington Blade|date=13 June 2019|last=Lavers|first=Michael K.|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614153822/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/06/13/puerto-rico-governor-tells-lawmakers-to-withdraw-religious-freedom-conversion-therapy-bills/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ricky-martin-puerto-rico-religious-freedom-bill/|title=Ricky Martin helps get Puerto Rico 'religious freedom' bill axed|work=Gay Star News|date=14 June 2019|last=Besanvalle|first=James|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615125851/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ricky-martin-puerto-rico-religious-freedom-bill/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-puerto-rico-ricardo-rossello-ricky-martin-anti-lgbtq-bill-20190613-c7oaxcwc55bndnktulap637dhy-story.html|title=Puerto Rico governor backs down from anti-LGBTQ legislation, hours after Ricky Martin slams bill as 'open door to hatred and discrimination'|work=Daily News|date=13 June 2019|last=Assunção|first=Muri|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614161449/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-puerto-rico-ricardo-rossello-ricky-martin-anti-lgbtq-bill-20190613-c7oaxcwc55bndnktulap637dhy-story.html|url-status=live}}
=Hate crime law=
In 2002, Puerto Rico amended its hate crime statutes to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics.{{cite web|url=http://www.oslpr.org/download/en/2002/0046.pdf|title=H. B. 96|date=March 4, 2002|work=Oficina de Servicios Legislativos|access-date=May 31, 2013|archive-date=September 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916034350/http://www.oslpr.org/download/en/2002/0046.pdf|url-status=dead}} Puerto Rico is also covered by U.S. federal law, notably the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
2020 was the first year anyone in Puerto Rico was charged with a hate crime. Sean Díaz de León and Juan Pagán Bonilla were charged under the Hate crime law after Bonilla's confession, in which he stated he and Díaz de León murdered two transgender women on 22 April 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/tribunales/nota/denunciadelfbiporasesinatodetransenhumacaoeselprimercasofederalporcrimendeodioenpuertorico-2566428/|title=Denuncia del FBI por asesinato de trans en Humacao es el primer caso federal por crimen de odio en Puerto Rico|date=May 5, 2020|website=El Nuevo Dia|language=es|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507063538/https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/tribunales/nota/denunciadelfbiporasesinatodetransenhumacaoeselprimercasofederalporcrimendeodioenpuertorico-2566428/|url-status=live}}
Gender identity and expression
Until 2018, Puerto Rican law forbade transgender people from changing their legal gender on their birth certificates. There had been unsuccessful legislative proposals to repeal this law.{{cite web |author=Andrés Duque |url=http://blabbeando.blogspot.com/2007/11/puerto-rico-in-lieu-of-civil-unions-de.html |title=Puerto Rico: In lieu of civil unions, de Castro Font offers "shared residence" measure |publisher=Blabbeando.blogspot.com |date=November 27, 2007 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301002516/http://blabbeando.blogspot.com/2007/11/puerto-rico-in-lieu-of-civil-unions-de.html |url-status=live }}
In April 2017, Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of four transgender Puerto Ricans, challenging the law. They argued that denying transgender Puerto Ricans the ability to obtain accurate birth certificates violates the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the U.S. Constitution: "Puerto Rico categorically prohibits changes to the gender marker on birth certificates, even for those whose birth certificate does not match who they are. This policy has no rational justification in law or practice. In fact, government officials in Puerto Rico know this, as they, appropriately, allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their drivers' licenses. Puerto Rico's birth certificate policy is at odds with the Federal Government's policies, with 46 out of the 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia, and with common sense."{{Cite web|url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Lambda-Legal-Sues-Puerto-Rico-for-Anti-Trans-Birth-Certificate-Policy/58736.html|title=Lambda Legal Sues Puerto Rico for Anti-Trans Birth Certificate Policy - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive|website=Windy City Times|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=May 12, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616154220/http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Lambda-Legal-Sues-Puerto-Rico-for-Anti-Trans-Birth-Certificate-Policy/58736.html|url-status=live}}
In early April 2018, a federal judge struck down the law, ruling it unconstitutional. Local LGBT activists celebrated the judge's decision, with Lambda Legal labelling it "a tremendous victory for transgender people born in Puerto Rico". Shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for the Puerto Rican Government announced that the Government would not appeal the ruling.[https://www.metroweekly.com/2018/04/court-orders-puerto-rico-issue-accurate-birth-certificates-transgender-residents/ Court orders Puerto Rico to issue accurate birth certificates to transgender residents] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216132634/https://www.metroweekly.com/2018/04/court-orders-puerto-rico-issue-accurate-birth-certificates-transgender-residents/ |date=December 16, 2019 }}, April 4, 2018[https://web.archive.org/web/20180404225414/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-court-grants-rights-to-transgender-people-in-puerto-rico/2018/04/04/92c6de60-3845-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html US court grants rights to transgender people in Puerto Rico], The Washington Post, April 4, 2018
Since October 15, 2020, under the New Progressive Party (PNP) administration Puerto Rico Medicaid services explicitly covers transition, cost of care, hospital care treatment, sex reassignment surgery, hormone replacement therapy, and other gender related issues, etc.{{Cite web|url = https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/10/15/puerto-rico-medicaid-program-now-covers-transition-related-health-care/|title = Puerto Rico Medicaid program now covers transition-related health care|date = October 15, 2020|access-date = October 24, 2020|archive-date = October 25, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201025133953/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/10/15/puerto-rico-medicaid-program-now-covers-transition-related-health-care/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|last=Lavers|first=Michael K.|title=Puerto Rico Medicaid Program Now Covers Transition-Related Health Care|url=https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/puerto-rico-medicaid-program-now-covers-transition-related-health-care.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=southfloridagaynews.com|language=en-gb|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024031603/https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/puerto-rico-medicaid-program-now-covers-transition-related-health-care.html|url-status=live}}
= 2021 State of emergency =
In January 2021, it was reported that the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi issued a state of emergency effective immediately - due to ongoing murders, assaults and rape of transgender individuals on Puerto Rico.{{Cite web|last=Browning|first=Bil|title=Puerto Rico declares state of emergency over murders of multiple transgender people|url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/01/puerto-rico-declares-state-emergency-murders-multiple-transgender-people/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=LGBTQ Nation|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130083251/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/01/puerto-rico-declares-state-emergency-murders-multiple-transgender-people/|url-status=live}}
Military service
The military defense of Puerto Rico has been the responsibility of the U.S. military, pursuant to the Treaty of Paris (1898) under which Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States. The U.S. military formerly had a "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) policy regarding LGBTQ service members, and this presumably applied to the island's National Guard as well. The policy was repealed in December 2010 and ended on September 22, 2011.
Conversion therapy
Conversion therapy has a negative effect on the lives of LGBT people, and can lead to low self-esteem, depression and suicide ideation. There are a few known cases of minors being subjected to such practices in Puerto Rico. Between 2007 and 2008, a young gay man was repeatedly electrocuted as a part of a "treatment" to "cure" his homosexuality. He finally received an arrest warrant against his parents, who forced him to undergo the pseudoscientific practice.
A bill to ban the use of conversion therapy on minors (Senate Bill 1000) was introduced to the Puerto Rican Senate on 17 May 2018, the International Day Against Homophobia.{{Cite web|date=2018-05-20|title=Unión tripartita en contra de la homofobia|trans-title=Tripartite union against homophobia|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/nota/uniontripartitaencontradelahomofobia-2423250/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923155531/https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/notas/union-tripartita-en-contra-de-la-homofobia/|archive-date=2020-09-23|website=El Nuevo Día|language=es}} The Senate approved this legislation 20 to 7, with two abstaining from voting, on March 7, 2019.{{cite news|date=2019-03-07|title=Senado de Puerto Rico aprueba con enmiendas, proyecto sobre el aborto|trans-title=Senate of Puerto Rico approves abortion project with amendments|url=https://www.latimes.com/efe-3918883-15205755-20190308-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021220143/https://www.hoylosangeles.com/noticias/internacional/efe-3918883-15205755-20190308-story.html|archive-date=2020-10-21|newspaper=LA Times|language=es}} On March 18, 2019, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives blocked a vote on the bill, by refusing to vote on it or hold public hearings. The bill's author was Zoé Laboy from the New Progressive Party.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-19|title=Zoé Laboy lamenta se cuelgue proyectos terapias de conversión y alega ofreció detalles a caucus cameral|url=https://www.periodicolaperla.com/zoe-laboy-lamenta-se-cuelgue-proyectos-terapias-de-conversion-y-alega-ofrecio-detalles-a-caucus-cameral/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=La Perla del Sur|language=es-MX|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610123015/https://www.periodicolaperla.com/zoe-laboy-lamenta-se-cuelgue-proyectos-terapias-de-conversion-y-alega-ofrecio-detalles-a-caucus-cameral/|url-status=dead}} Nevertheless, House Speaker Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló said in an interview that there was little evidence the practice was widely practiced in Puerto Rico. Some members of the House further thought that the definition of conversion therapy was "too broad" and could potentially include other types of rehabilitation therapy, such as for drug addiction.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/03/18/puerto-rico-lawmakers-block-vote-on-bill-to-ban-conversion-therapy-for-minors/|title=Puerto Rico lawmkers block vote on bill to ban conversion therapy for minors|work=Washington Blade|date=March 18, 2019|last=Lavers|first=Michael|access-date=April 28, 2019|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831050745/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/03/18/puerto-rico-lawmakers-block-vote-on-bill-to-ban-conversion-therapy-for-minors/|url-status=live}} Later that same day, Governor Ricardo Rosselló said he would issue an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors in the territory. He issued such an executive order on March 27, taking effect immediately.{{Cite web|date=2019-03-27|title=Gobernador Rosselló Nevares firma orden ejecutiva que prohíbe terapias de conversión o reparativas | La Fortaleza|url=https://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/content/gobernador-rossell-nevares-firma-orden-ejecutiva-que-proh-be-terapias-de-conversi-n-o|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125221425/https://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/content/gobernador-rossell-nevares-firma-orden-ejecutiva-que-proh-be-terapias-de-conversi-n-o|archive-date=2020-11-25|website=www.fortaleza.pr.gov}} Territorial agencies were provided 90 days for promulgation of the new order.
In 2021 another Senate bill 184 to ban conversion therapies was voted down in the Commission of Community Incentives and Mental Health (Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias y Salud Mental).{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=La medida que prohibiría las terapias de conversión en Puerto Rico es derrotada en la Comisión de Salud Mental del Senado|trans-title=The measure that prohibits conversion therapies in Puerto Rico was defeated in the commission of mental health of the Senate|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/legislatura/notas/la-medida-que-prohibiria-las-terapias-de-conversion-en-puerto-rico-es-derrotada-en-la-comision-de-salud-mental-del-senado/|access-date=2021-06-05|website=El Nuevo Día|language=es|archive-date=June 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605183603/https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/legislatura/notas/la-medida-que-prohibiria-las-terapias-de-conversion-en-puerto-rico-es-derrotada-en-la-comision-de-salud-mental-del-senado/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=Se cuelga proyecto para prohibir las terapias de conversión {{!}} Metro|trans-title=Bill to prohibit converison therapies is defeated|url=https://www.metro.pr/pr/metroamp/noticias/2021/05/06/se-cuelga-proyecto-para-prohibir-las-terapias-de-conversion.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606104245/https://www.metro.pr/pr/metroamp/noticias/2021/05/06/se-cuelga-proyecto-para-prohibir-las-terapias-de-conversion.html|archive-date=2021-06-06|access-date=2021-06-05|website=www.metro.pr|language=es}} Members of the New Progressive Party (PNP), Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and Joanne Rodríguez Veve of Proyecto Dignidad voted against the measure.{{Cite web|last=Salamán|first=Adriana De Jesús|title=Comisión senatorial derrota medida sobre las terapias conversión|trans-title=Senatorial Commission defeats measure on converison therapies|url=https://www.noticel.com/legislatura/ahora/top-stories/20210506/comision-senatorial-derrota-informe-sobre-las-terapias-conversion/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512174242/https://www.noticel.com/legislatura/ahora/top-stories/20210506/comision-senatorial-derrota-informe-sobre-las-terapias-conversion/|archive-date=2021-05-12|access-date=2021-06-05|website=www.noticel.com|language=es}}{{Cite web|date=2021-05-07|title=José Luis Dalmau justifica su no voto en proyecto de terapias de conversión {{!}} Gobierno {{!}} elvocero.com|trans-title=José Luis Dalmau justifies his no vote on converison therapy project|url=https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/jos-luis-dalmau-justifica-su-no-voto-en-proyecto-de-terapias-de-conversi-n/article_be4bb346-af64-11eb-94db-17dade849d43.amp.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605183609/https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/jos-luis-dalmau-justifica-su-no-voto-en-proyecto-de-terapias-de-conversi-n/article_be4bb346-af64-11eb-94db-17dade849d43.amp.html|archive-date=2021-06-05|access-date=2021-06-05|website=El Vocero|language=es}} A similar bill was also introduced in the house and has been referred to various committees.{{Cite web|title=Registro de Medida "Ley para la prohibición de las terapias de conversión o reparación"|trans-title=Registry of measure: "Law to prohibit converison or reparative therapy"|url=https://sutra.oslpr.org/osl/esutra/MedidaReg.aspx?rid=138500|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605183603/https://sutra.oslpr.org/osl/esutra/MedidaReg.aspx?rid=138500|archive-date=2021-06-05|access-date=2021-06-05|website=sutra.oslpr.org|language=es}}
Blood donation
Since April 2020, gay and bi men across the United States are allowed to donate blood - only after a 3 month deferral period.{{Cite news|last=Plautz|first=Jason|date=2020-04-02|title=FDA Relaxes Blood Donation Restrictions On Gay And Bisexual Men During Shortage|language=en-AU|work=Huffington Post|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blood-donations-covid-19-gay-men_n_5e85250dc5b6927805071adb|access-date=2021-07-13|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713121918/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blood-donations-covid-19-gay-men_n_5e85250dc5b6927805071adb|url-status=live}}
Political parties
File:Ricky Martin 2010.jpg, pictured here at a Human Rights Campaign award show in 2010.]]
Politicians from the Partido Popular Democrático and the Partido Nuevo Progresista de Puerto Rico, which are the island's two main political parties, include both supporters and opponents of LGBT rights. This face was most recently demonstrated by the House of Representatives vote on November 11, 2009, approving Bill 1725 (forbidding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation). The bill passed by a vote of 43 to 6, with most representatives from both parties voting in favor. The six representatives voting against the bill were equally divided between both parties. Under the administration of Ricardo Rosselló the Governor's mansion for the first time in history was illuminated with rainbow colors in support of the LGBTQ community.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/notas/la-fortaleza-se-ilumina-con-los-colores-lgbtt/|title=La Fortaleza se ilumina con los colores LGBTT|date=May 18, 2019|website=El Nuevo Día|access-date=January 5, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927164622/https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/notas/la-fortaleza-se-ilumina-con-los-colores-lgbtt/|url-status=live}}
The Puerto Rican Independence Party is a member of the Socialist International, and is on record as supporting full rights for LGBT citizens. Other smaller left wing pro-independence groups are also on record supporting LGBT rights. Yet, they have not proposed much legislation on advancing LGBTQ issues. In the Puerto Rican general election, 2012, all of the recently founded parties–Movimiento Unión Soberanista, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party, and the Working People's Party of Puerto Rico–supported same-sex marriage and banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.{{Cite web|url=https://pedrojulioserrano.com/2012/09/19/los-partidos-politicos-y-las-comunidades-lgbtt/|title=Los partidos políticos y las comunidades LGBTT…|first=Pedro Julio|last=Serrano|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=March 19, 2023|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531031648/https://pedrojulioserrano.com/2012/09/19/los-partidos-politicos-y-las-comunidades-lgbtt/|url-status=live}}
On November 6, 2012, Popular Democratic Party candidate Pedro Peters Maldonado became the first openly gay politician elected to public office in the island's history, when he won a seat on San Juan's City Council.{{Cite web |url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/homosexualganaporprimeravezunaseleccionesenlaisla-1380399.html |title=Homosexual gana por primera vez unas elecciones en la Isla |access-date=November 23, 2012 |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101201251/http://www.elnuevodia.com/homosexualganaporprimeravezunaseleccionesenlaisla-1380399.html |url-status=dead }}
On September 24, 2020, New Progressive Party candidate Jorge Báez Pagán became the first openly gay member of the House of Representatives in the island's history.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metro.pr/pr/noticias/2020/09/24/juramentado-primer-legislador-abiertamente-gay-puerto-rico.html|title=Juramentado el primer legislador abiertamente gay en Puerto Rico|website=Metro Puerto Rico|access-date=January 5, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103051601/https://www.metro.pr/pr/noticias/2020/09/24/juramentado-primer-legislador-abiertamente-gay-puerto-rico.html|url-status=live}}
Public opinion
According to a Pew Research Center survey, conducted between November 7, 2013 and February 28, 2014, 33% of Puerto Ricans supported same-sex marriage, 55% were opposed.{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/chapter-5-social-attitudes/|title=Social Attitudes on Moral Issues in Latin America - Pew Research Center|date=November 13, 2014|work=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=April 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411071847/http://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/chapter-5-social-attitudes/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/appendix-a-methodology/|title=Appendix A: Methodology|date=November 13, 2014|work=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604115432/https://www.pewforum.org/2014/11/13/appendix-a-methodology/|url-status=live}}
Summary table
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [http://www.lgbtpuertorico.com LGBT Puerto Rico Website]
- [https://www.scribd.com/doc/243888222/3-14-cv-01253-57-Puerto-Rico-Decision Conde-Vidal v. Garcia-Padilla, U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico, October 21, 2014]
{{LGBT rights in the United States}}
{{Americas in topic|LGBT rights in}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lgbt Rights In Puerto Rico}}