In Mexican Village, Utility Shut-Off Used To Force Protestant Families To Contribute To Local Catholic Festivals

According to a press release issued last week by Christian Solidarity Worldwide USA, in the Mexican village of Unión Juárez (in Chiapas state) 25 Protestant families who belong to the Mount Tabor Evangelical Church have had their water and electricity cut off for refusing to contribute financially to Traditionalist Catholic religious festivals in the village. The actions against the families began Feb. 11.  Guards, ropes and chains have been placed around the families' homes to prevent them from reconnecting their services or receiving visitors until they pay 500 pesos (approximately $38) each. Village authorities base their demands on the Law of Uses and Customs which gives indigenous populations autonomy to exercise traditional governance forms. The families have filed a complaint with the National Commission for Human Rights.