A California university, funded by taxpayers, has collaborated with a United Nations agency to help Mexican officials make their justice system more inclusive for LGBTQ individuals, according to records obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
During a virtual course from October to November 2022, over 220 judges, secretaries, and personnel from Mexico’s judicial branch participated in training hosted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law. The course focused on promoting gay and transgender rights and was offered by the law school’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Mexico’s Federal Judiciary Council.
This initiative highlights a long-standing collaboration between American legal organizations and the Mexican government aimed at fostering liberal principles in both nations. There are also instances where Mexico supports American legal professionals working to prevent the execution of Mexican citizens in U.S. courts, which Mexico labels as “cruel and inhuman.”
UCLA benefits from extensive federal and state funding, receiving $641 million in California’s approved budget for fiscal year 2024 alone. They previously litigated successfully against the Trump administration to regain over $500 million in federal funds that were frozen due to claimed civil rights violations on campus. Students pursuing a Master of Laws at UCLA are expected to qualify for $20,500 annually in federal unsubsidized loans.
The law school has not responded to inquiries about whether this course continues and the source of its funding. Similarly, neither the UNFPA nor Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry have replied to questions.
A course description, translated into English, emphasizes the necessity for judges to have a rich understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences, including current and accurate data on their legal challenges. It goes on to note the importance of equipping judges with tools to handle cases tied to sexual orientation and gender identity effectively.
Objectives for participants also include grasping best practices for administering justice considering various sexual orientations and identities. There’s a focus on understanding the violence and discrimination LGBTQ+ individuals face in Mexico, and how a gender perspective can aid in judicial processes.
Former Mexican Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar, known for his liberal viewpoints, advocated for initiatives like the UCLA course during his term. He notably praised a Mexican state’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, expressing pride in such progressive changes.
UCLA’s documentation contends that the coursework is essential for combating the injustices faced by LGBTQ individuals in Mexico, acknowledging the barriers these communities have historically encountered in accessing legal rights. It notes that many may hesitate to engage with the justice system due to fears of discrimination or insufficient resources.
According to 2021 data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography, only 5.1% of the population identify as LGBTQ.
