During the peace plebisicite campaign, opposition to the so-called gender ideology became pivotal in uniting the extreme right, various Christian organizations and some sectors behind the NO vote, who all perceived in this supposed ideology a deep threat to the Colombian family unit. Within these sectors of society, gender ideology has been seen as a concept that combines the various threats they have perceived in criticisms of historically established relationships between men and women, and their sexualities and desires.
Their argument, which began a few months ago with public debate about school textbooks on sex education and harmonious coexistence, grew to become a fundamental topic during the negotiations between the Colombian goverment and the NO supporters in the lead up to the agreements reached in Havana.
Read the full statement by Gender Studies School of Colombia National University.
SPW also recommends the articles below:
Despite ‘No’ Vote, Colombia’s Indigenous Peoples Say They’ll Implement Peace Accord – IC Magazine
“Gender ideology”: a spoiler for peace? – openDemocracy
Did an Anti-LGBT Panic Help Defeat Colombia’s Peace Deal? – American Quarterly