Noticias

Given the statements expressed in the Ordinary Session of the Senate, during which the Colorado Senator Carlos Núñez Agüero made use of word and said "I'm not a philosopher, but I'm macho. So God created man and woman" and indicating that "When we see a transvestite, a man dressed as a woman, we do not know where puts that thing we know", SOMOSGAY states as follows:

The use of sexual orientation or gender identity of people as an insult is a practice that exacerbates violent and authoritarian aspects of our society, which is the result of a culture based on sexist prejudices. When this practice comes from public authorities, in the sense of relevance of a Senator of the Republic, they are even more serious, by reinforcing this type of paradigm for the rest of society, in a space which should govern respect for the rule to Human rights and the Republican culture of equality and respect, as enshrined in our Constitution.

"In a society like ours, marked by military violence, subjected to years of abuse and outrage on the part of State institutions, it is urgent to take positions that allow us as a society to think and take action to move forward in building organizational and institutional relationships as promoters of a Paraguayan culture based on full respect for universal human rights" said Sergio López, Secretary General of SOMOSGAY.

Violence, sexism and homophobia are connected, and are serious social problems that threaten human development; as such is the duty of national authorities to work towards the respect for the dignity and inclusive practices that are part of the inherent dignity of all human beings.

Verbal violence, as set forth by Senator Nuñez also supported by the statement of Senator José Manuel Bóbeda which explicitly mentions "a woman is like a pet, like a faithful dog, who should cook and serve to a man", is a clear demonstration of the urgency of this reflection and speaks clearly of the fragility of the concept of respect for the dignity that should govern the functions of an official in a State of Rights as ours.

SOMOSGAY demands an apology for the damage caused by these events and urges the national authorities, beginning with Senators Núñez and Bóveda to join in the construction of a citizenry that is respectful to human rights, worthy of the moral stature that is expected of a Senator of the Republic. From SOMOSGAY we believe that building a future in dignity, freedom and equality for everyone, begins with the term of strict respect for people, in all its dimensions.