Argentina’s ‘madman’ President Milei held to account over anti-gay speech at Davos

Former governor of the Tierra del Fuego region of Argentina, Fabiana Ríos, along with former deputy Jorge Rivas, has initiated a preventive habeas corpus against Argentina’s seemingly unhinged President Javier Milei. The legal action seeks to compel the President to refrain from “intimidating behaviours” and “threats” towards individuals he categorises as leftists and those fighting for sexual diversity. This initiative is spearheaded by the political party Unidad Socialista (US), which Ríos and Rivas helped form in December, aligning with other factions that advocate for Kirchnerist socialism, including the Authentic Socialist Party led by Mario Mazzitelli.

The preventive habeas corpus was prompted by Milei’s recent remarks, particularly those made at the Davos Forum, which critics have interpreted as a direct attack on democracy and social equality. The plaintiffs argue that these comments threaten the political participation of all individuals, especially those advocating for reforms within Argentina’s social and economic systems. They specifically highlight that many associated with US are often labelled leftists and have advocated for gender equality and the recognition of sexual diversity rights.

In their legal filing, the members of the US noted that Milei intensified his derogatory discourse against progressivism, feminism, and the LGBTQ+ community during his addresses at the international financial gathering. They quoted the President as calling proponents of social policies aimed at gender equality and respect for sexual diversity “a cancer that must be excised.” The plaintiffs reaffirmed that it is the state’s obligation to uphold judicial protections, stating that the President’s remarks could infringe upon the rights guaranteed by various articles of the Argentine Constitution.

This legal manoeuvre follows a notable public response, including a large “Antifascist LGBTQ+ Assembly” held at Parque Lezama, which condemned the President’s rhetoric with slogans such as “Never again to the closet.” The assembly serves as a testament to the ongoing discord between segments of society that advocate for inclusivity and rights for the LGBTQ+ community and those whose rhetoric suggests otherwise.

The accusations against Milei gained traction following his remarks made in solidarity with Elon Musk during Musk’s controversial appearance that drew parallels to Nazi salutes. Milei’s comments included a defiant stance towards critics, asserting, “Not only are we not afraid of them, but we will go to the last corner of the planet in defence of freedom. Tremble, leftist sons of bitches.” This statement has further inflamed tensions regarding his administration’s approach to minority rights and social justice.

The legal document is supported by prominent socialist figures, including Guillermo Torremare and María Lucila Lancioni, and is signed by leaders such as Mario Mazzitelli, Luis Ger, Juan María Escobar, Fernanda Gigliani, and Francisco “Paco” Moreno. This collective seeks not only to challenge the President’s rhetoric but also to solidify the protections enshrined within the national governance framework amidst a climate of rising political tensions.

Source: Noah Wire Services