Peru: Congress Passes Law Against Inclusive Language

The approved law, promoted by MP Milagros Jáuregui de Aguayo, stipulates that the use of the Spanish language must be strict and free from ideological influences in all educational materials and official documents.

During the debate, the author of the bill took the floor and declared that splitting the language generated “not only a problem of deficient communication, but also a problem of reading comprehension among students, because the constant use of such language generates confusion on a regular basis.”

“As a woman, I can tell you that I don't think the use of 'los' and 'las' makes us more visible or aids us to fight for equality,” said Mrs. Jáuregui de Aguayo, adding that congress members had sought the opinion of the Peruvian Academy of Languages, which came out in favor of its elimination.

The MP, known for her defense of life and the family, expressed her satisfaction on social networks.

However, Miriam Ponce Cértiz, Minister of Education, assured that the law would not be respected because her ministry already has a position on inclusive language.

“It will not be respected, I believe there has already been a report from the Ministry of Education. I have always said that I am open to dialogue, but there are positions which propose certain things and others which propose others (sic),” she explained.

It is a quarrel which goes well beyond language, but which concerns the very way of understanding things and beings: confusion in this area leads to a deficiency in the very understanding of the world.