Guatemala‘s Congress advanced a bill Tuesday extending the punishment for abortion to up to 25 years in prison, banning same-sex marriage, and prohibiting the teaching of gender ideology and sexual diversity in schools.
On International Women’s Day, the Life and Family Protection Law, introduced by the Viva Party, reportedly increases the penalty for women who “have induced their own abortion or given their consent to another person to carry it out” from five to 10 years in prison to up to 25 years.
There are, however, exceptions for when the mother’s life is in danger.
The bill also states that heterosexuality is the only “normal” orientation, according to reports.
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The law was approved by a large majority of lawmakers in the country, which was reportedly unexpected. According to a report, 160 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, while only six voted against it.
To go into effect, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei will need to sign the measure. Many of his fellow party members have backed the law. However, Giammattei asked Congress to shelve the law because he says it violates the constitution, according to a report.
If the measure reaches his desk, he reportedly said it would be vetoed.
Some lawmakers and activists in the country have criticized the bill as homophobic, hateful, and capable of inciting hate, while others see it as a step in the right direction.
“While other countries continue to approve pro-abortion laws as well as laws that lead to the deterioration of the original concept of the family, this initiative has now become an important law for Guatemalan society,” Congressman Armando Castillo reportedly said Tuesday.
Guatemalan Human Rights Ombudsman Jordan Rodas, however, plans to challenge the law.
“It violates human rights. It violates the international agreements ratified by Guatemala. It is a setback to freedoms,” he told Reuters.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to sign a restrictive abortion bill banning the procedure after 15 weeks after the measure passed the state’s Senate. The law will replace the previous limit of 24 weeks.
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DeSantis is also poised to sign a bill that similarly prohibits the teaching of sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade. Critics of the measure have characterized it as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
