Muñante's gender bill generates strong divisions in Peru.

The recent bill presented by Congressman Alejandro Muñante, from the Renovación Popular party, has sparked intense debate in the political and social spheres of the country. This bill proposes that the term "gender" in the Constitution be limited to refer exclusively to men and women, thereby excluding any other interpretation that could involve the LGBTI community. Muñante argues that the intention behind this initiative is to ensure that the concept of gender is used correctly in the formulation of public policies, avoiding what he labels as "ideological agendas" promoted by certain non-governmental organizations. This approach has elicited mixed reactions. While Muñante defends that his proposal does not seek to discriminate against or persecute the LGBTI community, several critical voices have pointed out that limiting the concept of gender could have negative implications for the rights of diverse individuals. Lawmaker Ruth Luque, for example, has described this project as "unconstitutional" and argued that its approval could represent a setback in the equality policies achieved in recent years. From her perspective, Congress should focus on more urgent issues affecting the population, such as the agricultural crisis and the droughts that have impacted various regions of the country. Luque emphasizes that such initiatives divert attention from the matters that truly concern citizens, and that instead of seeking concrete solutions, they focus on issues that could further divide society. Constitutional lawyer Alejandro Rospigliosi has also criticized Muñante's proposal, labeling it as "irrelevant" and suggesting that no additional interpretation of the term gender is required in the Constitution. Rospigliosi highlights that the current approach is already sufficiently clear and that Parliament should concentrate on issues that genuinely improve the quality of life for citizens. The debate over this bill is not only centered in the political realm but has also resonated within civil society. Various organizations have expressed concern over the possibility that such legislation could open the door to a regression in the rights achieved by the LGBTI community, which has fought for years for its recognition and protection. This sentiment is particularly strong in a context where violence and discrimination against these populations remain a latent reality. The interpretation of the concept of gender has been a controversial topic in many countries, and Peru is no exception. Muñante's proposal is situated within a broader context of debates over individual and collective rights, where traditionalist and progressive views clash. The congressman's insistence on a binary approach to gender has been interpreted by many as a way to deny the complexity of human identity. On the other hand, Muñante's justification, which claims that the gender approach has failed to reduce violence against women, has been questioned. Critics argue that the issue of gender-based violence is multifaceted and that attributing the lack of results to a specific term or approach is simplistic. Instead, they insist on the need to address the structural roots of violence and to strengthen prevention and care policies. The statistics on violence against women in the country remain alarming, and this situation underscores the urgency for a serious and profound debate on how to tackle these issues without falling into polarizations that only hinder progress toward equality. In this context, the call for a more plural reflection on gender and human rights is more necessary than ever. Ultimately, Muñante's project will have to go through the appropriate legislative process in the Constitution Committee, where its viability will be assessed and its potential impact on Peruvian society will be discussed. Recent history has shown that debates over rights and gender are crucial for the development of a more just and inclusive society. Thus, the future of this initiative will depend not only on Congress's decision but also on the pressure and voices of citizens seeking to advance the construction of a more equitable Peru.