The Baja California Sur state Congress voted unanimously on April 23 to declare May 17 the annual State Day Against Discrimination. The measure adds the date to the official state calendar, requiring government agencies, municipalities, schools, and private organizations to carry out programs promoting inclusion and human rights.
The XVII Legislature’s 21 deputies approved the decree in La Paz. May 17 is already recognized internationally as the Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The BCS legislature chose to broaden the designation to cover all forms of discrimination, regardless of origin.
Survey Data Behind the Vote
The decree draws on data from Mexico’s National Survey on Discrimination (ENADIS) 2023. According to the survey, 31.9% of the population in Baja California Sur reported experiencing discrimination in the previous year. Legislators cited that figure as a key reason for establishing a recurring, state-level observance.
Under the new measure, state and municipal government offices must develop policies and campaigns aimed at preventing discriminatory conduct. Educational institutions are also directed to promote a culture of respect through curricula and programming tied to the annual date.
When the Decree Takes Effect
The decree will take effect the day after its publication in the state’s official government bulletin, the Boletín Oficial del Gobierno del Estado. Once published, May 17 will serve as an annual benchmark for anti-discrimination efforts across BCS.
The BCS Congress is a unicameral body of 21 deputies. The current XVII Legislature took office in September 2024 and is dominated by the Morena party, which holds nine seats. The Labor Party (PT) holds seven seats, with remaining seats split among smaller parties including PAN, PRI, and PVEM.
The vote creates an obligation for public institutions to plan annual activities around May 17. Private and social sector organizations are also called on to participate, though the decree does not specify penalties for noncompliance.
This story was first reported by Noticias La Paz and El Sudcaliforniano.