Peru’s Congress approved Bill 3464, which aims to eliminate “inclusive language” from school texts, as the official Congress website reported.
The law follows Royal Spanish Academy guidelines.
Milagros Jáuregui, a conservative congresswoman, proposed it. She chairs the Women’s Committee.
The bill got 78 yes votes, 21 no votes, and five abstentions. It argues against using both gender-specific terms when one neutral term can work.
The bill says public sector language doesn’t discriminate. This aligns with the Equality Law for men and women.
Jáuregui said some terms misuse inclusive language. They don’t help in children’s education.
The Peruvian Language Academy backed the bill. It stressed the need to protect educational settings.
The bill avoided a second vote. It had 76 in favor, 20 against, and six abstaining. This sparked reactions from leftist lawmakers and LGBTQ groups.
Education Minister Miriam Ponce spoke about it. She said there will be no veto, as the ministry already has a stance. “No veto will happen,” she confirmed.
Background
This move by Peru’s Congress has sparked a debate. Many see it as a step back from promoting gender equality.
Others argue it simplifies language for educational use. The bill has received support and criticism alike.
The bill’s passage comes at a time of global debate on this issue. Gender-neutral terms are gaining more usage in some countries. In others, they are met with resistance.
Jáuregui’s argument focuses on education. She believes kids should learn traditional language. But critics say this overlooks the impact of language on shaping thought.
The support from the Peruvian Language Academy adds credibility. Yet, language is ever-changing. What’s acceptable today may not be tomorrow.
Political divisions also show in the voting pattern. Conservative lawmakers mostly backed the bill. Leftist lawmakers, especially those supporting LGBTQ rights, opposed it.
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