'Transfemicides' in Mexico City will be punishable by up to 70 years in prison; how it compares with the U.S.

Activists celebrate outside the Mexico City Congress after local lawmakers approve prison sentences of up to 70 years for murders of transgender people (Credit: AFP)

A new law passed in Mexico City (CDMX) by the ruling party, Morena, dictates that "transfemicides"— that is, the murder of transgender people— will be punishable in the city by up to 70 years in prison.

The new law, known as "Ley Paola Buenrostro" was introduced by the United Commissions on Gender Equality and Administration and Prosecution of Justice, and passed by the state legislature in a 45 to one vote, making CDMX the second city in Mexico to approve such a law.