.- Family organizations in Paraguay are condemning a “kiss-in” organized by the group Somos Gay (We are gay).
Maria Celia de Meyer, secretary general of the Federation of Associations for Life and the Family in Paraguay told CNA that many politicians in Paraguay “show no interest in the family and morality, preferring instead to promote these kinds of things,” which same-sex groups hope will “get the people used to this and see it as something normal.”
“We are very concerned about the break-down of the family here in Paraguay, especially the absence of the father,” said Meyer. “It is possible that because of these kinds of influences young people and children could be pulled into this homosexual tendency,” she added.
The “kiss-in” is intended to promote the celebration of the country’s bicentennial by encouraging Paraguayans to “build a common future without homophobia, sexism or discrimination.”
“Come with your partner (whether lesbian, gay, bi, trans or heterosexual) and let’s celebrate Paraguay’s Bicentennial with a kiss,” the promotional posters state. They depict same-sex couples dressed in 19th century clothing and kissing each other.
The federation called the posters an offense against the country’s national heroes and the bicentennial, noting that children have been scandalized and confused by them. It also said the posters violate Paraguayan law, which prohibits acts of exhibitionism that impact children.
The federation called for the posted to immediately be removed from public places and for the kiss-in to be suspended.
The Spanish daily ABC reported that the president of the Asuncion City Council, Hugo Ramirez said he was opposed to the “kiss-in” and thought the entire council should move to prohibit such activities. He criticized homosexual groups for dressing up as Paraguay’s founding fathers to promote the event, calling it a slap in the face to the country’s bicentennial and the family.
“We teach our children what a national hero is, a true hero,” which the “kiss-in” posters distort, he said.
Ramirez noted he has “nothing against homosexuality, but this society is very conservative and pro-family. He then slammed Somos Gay for failing to take into consideration the celebration of Mother’s Day in the country on May 15.
“It is very disconcerting to see that because of these posters against family values and the country, mothers cannot celebrate their day with joy, knowing that the role they play in marriage is being denigrated throughout the city,” he said.
Same-sex unions are not legal in Paraguay.
