Argentina : Controversy after Minister's Comments on "Fictitious" Sexual Identities

Argentina : Controversy after Minister’s Comments on “Fictitious” Sexual Identities

Controversial statements in Parliament

Argentina’s Minister of Justice, Mariano Cuneo Libarona, sparked heated debate after criticizing the diversity of sexual identities during a parliamentary session. On August 27, while addressing the parliamentary commission on Women and Diversity, he denounced gender identities not aligned with biological sex as “subjective inventions.” His statement was made in defense of the government’s stance under President Javier Milei, which opposes initiatives supporting gender rights.

Reaffirming traditional family values

Libarona further asserted that for the current government, the concept of gender is obsolete, stating, “The family is the central pillar of society and education.” He also invoked liberal principles, emphasizing equal treatment between men and women under the law. At the same time, he harshly criticized institutions dedicated to women’s and diversity rights, labeling them “useless waste” and a “scam.”

A clear political stance

Since taking office in December, the ultraliberal government of Javier Milei has been openly critical of feminism and gender issues, which it views as a “political business.” Early actions from this administration included the dissolution of the Ministry of Women, the abolition of the Institute Against Discrimination, and the banning of inclusive language in both the military and national administration.

Outrage within Parliament

The minister’s remarks immediately provoked strong reactions from several deputies. Carla Carizzo, a member of the UCR (opposition, center-right), reminded the minister that he is obligated to uphold the law, regardless of personal beliefs. Maximiliano Ferraro, an openly gay deputy from the Civic Coalition, expressed outrage, accusing the minister of stigmatizing LGBT+ individuals.

Condemnation from rights organizations

Following the controversy, several organizations, including Amnesty International Argentina, condemned the minister’s comments. The NGO denounced the speech for promoting violence and hatred against diversity. Similarly, the Argentine LGBT+ Federation labeled these statements as “unacceptable” from someone whose role is to protect, not harm, people’s rights.

Response from the University of Buenos Aires and public figures

The University of Buenos Aires, the country’s largest academic institution, issued a statement asserting that the minister’s remarks were contrary to the constitutional and legal principles of the nation, which guarantee the rights of all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Socialist deputy and LGBT activist Esteban Paulon called for the minister’s resignation. Despite the backlash, the minister received support from presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to non-discrimination, while maintaining that individuals should not expect others to recognize their self-perception.

Source : https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/sep/05/lesbian-action-group-trans-bisexual-women-ban-ahrc-ntwnfb