Noticias

SOMOSGAY and Paraguayan LGBT Federation called for the second year to the KISS-IN BICENTENNIAL 2011. In this spirit, this year we celebrate the bicentennial, and also remember those Paraguayans who dreamed and fought for a country without exclusions, a land without evil, and the yvy marane'y that the Guarani nation sought on earth. The campaign called for reflection on the past and future path ahead for our country, posing a Paraguay without exclusions, without inequality, that embraces diversity, maintaining their union.

 

Invitations and posters that were made for the event helped install a social debate that at times had unfortunate homophobic outbreaks by city legislators and House of Deputies accompanied by religious and fundamentalist sectors who publicly called for the imprisonment of the responsibles for the event, repudiating and calling on citizens to reject and protest against it.

 

The event was a huge success, bringing together a hundred people accompanied with a music and theater event, and accompanied with clapping to couples who kissed in front of the National Congress, later reading out the statement and reflection for that day. There were no complains. The public greeted the demonstrators with horns and shouts of encouragement , contrary to the desire of religious homophobes who tried to overshadow the event.

 

IMPLICATIONS

However, the response from the conservative front was immediate. The councilman from Asuncion, Yamil Esgaib from the Colorado Party, even violated the office of Council Karina Rodriguez by tearing posters and shouting homophobic slurs . Days later, during the session of the Municipal Council, Councillor Hugo Ramirez filed a bill again asking for censorship of the media to not cover any news that addresses issues related to gays and lesbians.

 

On Wednesday, May 25, was presented to the plenary of the Municipal Board a draft reform of ordinances disused since the dictatorship of Stroessner, submitted by Councillor Yamil Esgaib intended grieve with high fines acts "against the moral and morality". Esgaib in his foundation considers that the Kiss-in and any public display of affection by gay and lesbian people, must be punished to "protect children." In the same point, his supporter colleague insists regulate the press through the country and not just a draft ordinance , but a bill prohibiting the transmission of images or content related to LGBT people across the country even in news during the "hours of child protection ."

 

None of the proposals prospered, generating a massive rejection by the majority of the population of the city.