Hundreds of Evangelical Christians took part Saturday, July 25, in the Grand Citizens' March for Values in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The march wound through the streets of the state capital in opposition to amendments to the state's Civil Code approved by the Chiapas Congress on June 30 that allow adults to change the gender marker on their official documents through an administrative process.
The demonstration was organized by Avivando a México A.C. and supported by various Christian organizations, according to local newspaper El Sol de Chiapas.
The march began at Parque 5 de Mayo and ended at Parque Central in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, where organizers presented a public statement and called on Gov. Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar to open a dialogue. State Rep. María Isabel Rodríguez Jiménez of the Morena party, who voted against the reform, also joined the demonstration.
During a news conference before the march, Marco Tulio Carrascosa, president of Avivando a México A.C., said the event was not intended to confront any group in society.
"We are the defenders who are accused of being aggressors. We are not seeking confrontation," he said.
Carrascosa added, "We respect everyone, but when something is imposed, that's when we have to raise our voices."
He emphasized that the invitation was open to all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, as long as they shared the goal of defending families and protecting children.
Before the march, Rodríguez Jiménez said she would participate "as a mother and as a representative of the people" to support the participating families, according to local media.
In a message shared by REC Media, she also said, "This is not about political parties, nor is it about religion. This is a citizens' march in defense of our values, our families and, above all, the best interests of children."
National media also covered the event. El Universal reported that organizers called for the repeal of the reform and proposed establishing both a Day of the Family and the Protection of Children and a State Day of Prayer for Peace.
Meanwhile, La Jornada reported that demonstrators marched through the main streets of Tuxtla Gutiérrez carrying banners and chanting slogans in defense of the family. The newspaper also reported that organizers plan to continue dialogue with state authorities.
What the reform does
On June 30, the Congress of the State of Chiapas approved amendments to the Civil Code creating an administrative process that allows adults to change their legal name and gender marker on official documents without requiring a medical diagnosis, hormone therapy or surgical procedures.
In its official statement, the Congress said the reform is intended to guarantee the rights to identity, equality, human dignity, privacy, nondiscrimination and the free development of one's personality. It also said the changes bring state law into alignment with constitutional principles and human rights standards.
The march was one of the first major public responses from the Evangelical community following approval of the reform. Organizers said they plan to continue engaging with the state government while promoting initiatives to strengthen families and protect children, as political and public debate over the reform continues across Chiapas.
Original reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
