Roberto Zataráin Leal, president of the Human Rights Commission in Puebla’s State Congress, strongly rejected the archbishop of Puebla’s recent statements claiming that the legislature aims to change the sex of minors through a proposed law recognizing trans children. Speaking on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Zataráin described these accusations as “an aberration” and stressed the need to clear up widespread misinformation.

The initiative in question focuses on recognizing gender identity changes in the Civil Registry, not on authorizing medical or surgical interventions for children or adolescents. Zataráin emphasized that Mexican law sets 18 as the age of majority, meaning any medical decisions require full legal capacity, and that children’s understanding of gender identity typically develops after age 15.

“There is a lot of confusion around this topic,” Zataráin said. “Children are thinking about many other things at ages four, five, or six—not their sexuality. The archbishop’s claim that we want to change children’s sex is false and deeply hurtful.”

He also echoed concerns raised by fellow legislator Andrés Villegas about how the initiative’s framing has fueled misunderstandings, leading many to believe the law intends to “attack” minors’ sex characteristics. To address this, Zataráin announced plans to meet with Archbishop Víctor Sánchez Espinosa to explain the proposal’s true scope and prevent further distortions.

The law aims to facilitate the legal recognition of gender identity through registry changes, a step that advocates argue is crucial for protecting the rights and dignity of trans youth. Zataráin welcomed open debate within the Human Rights Commission, inviting informed discussion to ensure the initiative is understood on its merits.

“Children and adolescents have rights that must be respected and protected,” he concluded. “We need to discuss this with accurate information, not fear or misinformation.”