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Mexico’s Lower House Sets 2026 Debate on Senate Bill Redefining Sexual Abuse

The proposal establishes a consent-based offense enabling ex officio cases under stiffer penalties.

Overview

  • Morena leader Ricardo Monreal said the Chamber of Deputies will place the Senate’s minute on the 2026 ordinary-session agenda.
  • The draft rewrites Article 260 to define abuse by lack of consent, clarifying that silence, passivity or lack of resistance do not imply consent.
  • The reform states abuse can occur in both public and private settings, aiming to reduce evidentiary burdens on victims in relationships of trust or authority.
  • Article 266 Bis would broaden aggravating factors to include physical, psychological or moral violence, remote locations and ties of trust, authority or dependence.
  • Prosecution would proceed ex officio, with penalties of three to seven years in prison, fines, mandatory reeducation or service, and full reparations under the General Victims Law.