Paraguay’s Proposed Bill: A Setback for Inclusive Education

Amnesty International Raises Concerns About Proposed Bill Prohibiting Gender Perspective in Paraguayan Education

Background Information

Amnesty International, the international human rights organization, has presented a document to the Paraguayan Senate expressing its concerns about a proposed bill that seeks to prohibit the promotion, encouragement, and teaching of gender ideology in the country’s educational institutions. The bill, introduced to the Senate on July 6, 2023, also includes vague provisions for criminal and administrative sanctions for non-compliance without specifying the responsible enforcing body or the nature of the sanctions.

Violation of Human Rights

Amnesty International argues that the proposed bill is a total affront to human rights. Adopting a gender perspective in education should not be prohibited, but rather seen as an obligation of the Paraguayan state due to its international human rights commitments. The organization emphasizes that this bill violates international human rights norms and standards, which explicitly recognize the human right to comprehensive sexuality education with a gender perspective. Such education is integral to the enjoyment of rights to life, health, information, and non-discrimination. The organization calls for the rejection of the bill by the Paraguayan Congress.

Gender Inequality and Discrimination

Amnesty International’s document points out that the proposal to ban a gender perspective in any area of public policy disregards the high rates of gender inequality, violence, and discrimination that disproportionately affect women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ people. The organization expresses deep concern about the use of ambiguous terms such as “gender ideology” and “indoctrination” by legislators and authorities when discussing the bill. These statements not only distort the real meaning and purpose behind comprehensive sexuality education but also exploit societal fears and anxieties, encouraging the stigmatization and persecution of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

The Importance of a Gender Perspective

Amnesty International emphasizes that a gender perspective is essential in achieving substantive equality for all people in accordance with Paraguay‘s international human rights obligations. By recognizing the deep-rooted gender-based discrimination and inequalities in society, a comprehensive gender perspective enables the identification of barriers to individuals’ experiences and opportunities, as well as their ability to exercise their human rights.

Legal Concerns and Lack of Clarity

The proposed bill raises concerns about its lack of effective mechanisms for diverse and inclusive social participation and its lack of clarity regarding both scope and implementation. This violates the principle of legality and creates profound legal uncertainty. Amnesty International highlights the necessity for a comprehensive, diverse, inclusive, and tolerant discussion on the importance of guaranteeing comprehensive sexuality education with a gender perspective, open to all sectors of society.

Past Efforts and Continued Challenges

Amnesty International’s document also provides background information on past attempts to restrict the adoption of a gender perspective in Paraguayan educational policy. In 2017, the Ministry of Education and Sciences issued Resolution 29.664, which prohibited the dissemination and use of materials related to gender theory and ideology in educational institutions. This initiative faced strong criticism from international human rights organizations and civil society organizations, including Amnesty International. However, the resolution remains in force, and in 2022, the Ministry publicly called for continued attacks on it and urged education professionals and society to file complaints if such materials were found. The new proposed bill seeks to turn this prohibition into law and expand its scope to apply without exception in all educational institutions, whether public or private, and in all modalities, including in-person, online, or hybrid.

Call for Action

Amnesty International urges the Paraguayan Congress to reject the proposed bill. The organization emphasizes the importance of considering a comprehensive, diverse, inclusive, and tolerant discussion on the necessity of comprehensive sexuality education with a gender perspective. Such discussions should be open to all sectors of society to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all individuals in Paraguay.

Overall, Amnesty International’s document highlights the significant human rights concerns raised by the proposed bill. The prohibition of a gender perspective in education not only disregards the realities of gender inequality and discrimination but also has profound implications for individuals’ abilities to exercise their rights and attain substantive equality. The Paraguayan Congress must carefully consider these concerns and ensure that legislative efforts promote inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance in education policy.

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