With the country’s presidential runoff election on Dec. 19, Chile Today takes a look at what the candidates have to offer on the most urgent topics. We analyze the latest versions of their presidential programs and compare their proposals. Today Part IV: Equal rights.
Equal rights have become an important topic in wake of the 2019 social uprising. The Constitutional Assembly currently drafting the new Constitution is also focusing extensively on equal rights as human rights.
Gabriel Boric
In relation to the new constitution and the human rights violations committed during the social uprising, Boric’s program aims to reform the Carabineros police force.
A possible Boric administration would also strengthen the Ministry of Women and create jobs for 500,000 women through the proposed “Future Woman” program. Boric claims the measures will level the work playing field.
Large parts of Boric’s program are inspired by the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women. He would introduce a gender-based violence law to extend the definition of gender-based violence beyond “intrafamilial.” Boric would seek to decriminalize abortion.
A Boric administration would modify gender identity laws and allow legal changes to name or gender from the age of 14. In New Zealand, 16-year-olds may make legally recognized name and identity changes.
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José Antonio Kast
Striving for a more “accessible” Chile, Kast’s program highlights the visibility of those with disabilities in the workplace. He promises to establish training institutes to prepare disabled citizens for work and even to run for public office.
After much outrage, Kast backtracked on his promise to close the Ministry of Women. He also wants to boost female participation in the workplace and politics.
On violence against women, Kast promises to follow a “zero tolerance” policy. To fully realize this policy, his program proposes establishing entities and measures to help women who have been victims of violence. One such measure will be the telematic monitoring law.
While the program acknowledges social rights within the framework of the heterosexual family, it does not mention policies for sexual minorities. Previously, Kast derided so-called gender ideology. Kast also promised to close, or at least reform, the human rights institute (INDH).
Emmanuela is an International Relations and Modern Languages student from the Univeristy of East Anglia. Human Rights is of key interest to her as are culture, politics and sports.