Gay Argentine congressman files criminal complaint against Javier Milei

Argentine President Javier Milei is embroiled in controversy following homophobic and transphobic remarks made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

According to ‘Washington Blade’, Congressman Esteban Paulón, a veteran LGBTQ+ rights advocate, filed a criminal complaint asserting that the president used language that fuels negative stereotypes and incites violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

In his January 23 speech, Milei associated the LGBTQ+ community with pedophilia, referencing a case in Georgia where a gay couple received a life sentence last year for admitting to sexually abusing their two adopted children. He also falsely claimed that 5-year-old children undergo gender-affirming surgeries, a notion experts have decisively rejected.

These statements provoked both national and international uproar.

“Milei radicalizes hate speech based on lies and fabricated truths,” Paulón stated in an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade. “He propagates damaging stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community, instilling fear and distress in our communities. We have lodged a criminal complaint, asserting that his remarks constitute several crimes, aggravated by his position as president.”

Paulón emphasised the societal repercussions of Milei’s comments, observing that many LGBTQ+ families fear losing their rights.

“There are parents worried about being reported for permitting their children to express their gender identity. LGBTQ+ couples fear losing custody of their children,” Paulón explained. “This rhetoric empowers ultra-conservative groups that politically back Milei but do not represent the sentiments of the majority of Argentine society.”

LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organisations in Argentina have planned a march in Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital, set for February 1. With the slogan “for a country without hate,” the event aims to reject Milei’s statements and reaffirm their commitment to defending LGBTQ+ rights.

Milei, however, dismissed the allegations in a recent interview, suggesting they are part of a campaign orchestrated by so-called elites.

“I never compared homosexuals to pedophiles, but certain sectors launch these campaigns to provoke outrage,” he stated.

Paulón underlined that the complaint also aims to have a wider impact on Argentine society.

“Regardless of the judicial result, we wish to create a space for reflecting on the importance of not endorsing hate speech,” he said. “These attacks not only harm a community but also undermine social cohesion and mutual respect.”

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has reversed several LGBTQ+ rights initiatives. One of his administration’s initial actions was to shut down the Women, Gender and Diversity Ministry and the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism, known as INADI. Additionally, Milei has terminated trans individuals from public sector roles.