ADF International
CV NEWS FEED // Mexico’s Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary has shot down transgender activists’ attempt to prevent incumbent Mexican federal congress member Gabriel Quadri from running for reelection in the country’s upcoming June elections.
According to ADF (Alliance Defending Freedom) International, Morena, the ruling left-wing coalition of parties, sought to prevent Quadri, a National Action Party member, from running for reelection due to his April 2022 conviction of “gender-based political violence.”
However, the Electoral Tribune announced last week that “the alleged ineligibility of [Quadri] is unsubstantiated,” thereby securing his right to run for reelection.
“I am grateful that the Electoral Court has affirmed my right to run for reelection, in accordance with the principles of basic human rights,” Quadri said, continuing:
For simply sharing my convictions, and speaking out for the hard-earned rights of women, I have been prosecuted and censored. I am committed to defending the right of every Mexican to speak freely and without fear, and I look forward to continuing my career of service to the citizens of Mexico.
Although Mexico law dictates 50/50 representation of men and women in all branches of government, the 2021 elections saw two congressional seats ceded to biological males who identify as transgender women.
In a series of 11 now-censored tweets, Quadri argued against allowing biological males to “take advantage” of the 50/50 law to gain access to political positions reserved for women. Quadri also made several remarks on fairness in women’s sports, calling attention to men’s biological advantage.
Transgender-identifying Mexico federal congress member Salma Luevano subsequently filed a complaint against Quadri in March 2022, alleging that his comments amounted to “gender based political violence.”
The Superior Chamber of the Federal Electoral Tribunal unanimously convicted Quadri of the so-called violation on April 21.
According to ADF, the court imposed the following punitive measures on Quadri:
(i) delete the tweets, (ii) issue a public apology drafted by the Court and post a summary of the decision on Twitter for 15 days at two set times per day, (iii) complete two courses on gender-based violence and transgender violence, and (iv) be registered as a gender-based political violator for two years and nine months.
Quadri’s latest attempt to appeal the decision was rejected in June 2022.
