Some practices and traditions of indigenous groups involve animal sacrifices and other pagan rites. Even though these communities have welcomed the new legislation, Mexican Christians are worried that it will increase persecution towards them. For example, they may be fined or face other legal repercussions if they refuse to participate in Aboriginal festivities.

Rituals that integrate pre-Hispanic traditions with Catholic heritage are often considered communal duties in indigenous communities across Mexico. Christians who decline to participate or pay towards funding these festivals face animosity. Christians had been vulnerable to imprisonment, hefty fines and deportation even before the new legislation came into effect. Christian children were constantly facing harassment at school. In many cases, their teachers had been requested to ignore them in class. 

Liz Cortés, a partner of Open Doors in Mexico, highlighted some potential issues: “In many indigenous communities, religious customs are inseparable from community life. Christians who choose not to participate in these rituals are often seen as outsiders, disrupting the social order. This new reform essentially legitimises this persecution by empowering local authorities to enforce these traditions as law, leaving Christians vulnerable to harassment and violence. Christians are often cut off from essential services such as water and electricity. Their children are denied education, and they are barred from accessing health services. In some cases, pastors are not even allowed to enter these communities to offer spiritual support.”

Jorge Jiménez, a researcher for Open Doors in Mexico, stated: “By recognising indigenous customs as public law, the government has essentially created a ‘fourth level’ of governance, making it difficult for Christian minorities to defend their rights under national law. Indigenous courts, which may be biased against Christians, could handle these cases, complicating legal recourse. We respect the traditions of these communities, but we cannot stand by while Christians are forced to renounce their faith or face imprisonment, fines, and social exclusion. It is crucial that the Mexican government safeguards religious freedom alongside the autonomy of indigenous peoples.”

The new law will also make it more difficult for advocacy groups to support local Christians. Previously, the Law on Religious Associations and Public Worship guaranteed freedom of religion in indigenous regions.

Human rights groups call on the Mexican government to ensure that fundamental rights, such as freedom of religion, will be upheld and will not be sacrificed for cultural preservation.