The Human Rights Campaign responded to the enactment of Puerto Rico’s revised civil code by criticizing leaders’ failure to explicitly include vital comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents. HRC also condemns the legislature's amendment process, which was rushed through during a pandemic and did not allow sufficient opportunity for civic participation.

“Puerto Rico’s governor signed into law significant revisions to the island’s civil codes that shamefully ignore the urgent calls of local advocates to explicitly include vital, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “The government has failed to carry out its primary duty of ensuring the safety and well-being of all Puerto Ricans, including LGBTQ Puerto Ricans. This year, there has been an alarming uptick in killings of LGBTQ people on the island. The government should be doubling down on passing legal protections for the LGBTQ community and sending a clear message that LGBTQ people’s lives are worthy of equal dignity and respect. Additionally, the legislature did not allow Puerto Ricans ample time to meaningfully participate in the democratic process by rushing it through during a pandemic. It is altogether disappointing, disrespectful and unacceptable.”