Argentine President Javier Milei has ignited a firestorm of controversy following his remarks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, last week. During a fiery speech, Milei referred to LGBTQ+ “gender ideology” as “child abuse” and claimed that those promoting it were “pedophiles,” drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates.
In a speech that blended far-right rhetoric with inflammatory language, Milei described the “mental virus of woke ideology” as “the great epidemic of our time” and compared it to cancer that needs to be eradicated. He urged for the ideological chains surrounding gender identity issues to be broken, suggesting that the global fight against “woke” culture was essential to ushering in what he called a “new golden age.”
“The cancer we need to get rid of is woke ideology,” Milei said, aligning himself with global far-right leaders and echoing language used by former U.S. President Donald Trump in his own rhetoric against progressive policies.
Argentinian President Javier Milei: “Gender ideology constitutes plain and simple child abuse. They are pedophiles.”pic.twitter.com/Mjev7r5ace
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) January 23, 2025
Milei’s comments—widely seen as an attack on LGBTQ+ rights—also extended beyond gender identity. The Argentine president reiterated his long-standing opposition to feminism, immigration, and climate change efforts. His remarks, many of which were steeped in misinformation, have left LGBTQ+ advocates, human rights organizations, and even lawmakers in Argentina deeply concerned.
Claims of Misinformation and Fearmongering
In his speech, Milei used an example he claimed linked LGBTQ+ rights to child abuse, referencing a recent case in Georgia where a gay couple was arrested for allegedly abusing and prostituting their adopted children. The case, however, involved criminal actions by individuals and was not related to broader LGBTQ+ rights or ideologies, as Milei suggested.
Furthermore, the Argentine president made the baseless claim that 5-year-old children are regularly undergoing sex-transition surgeries. This assertion, widely debunked by medical professionals, is part of a larger narrative in far-right circles that seeks to demonize the LGBTQ+ community by exaggerating the issues surrounding gender-affirming care for minors.
“I want to be clear when I say abuse,” Milei said. “This is no euphemism.” His choice of words drew immediate backlash, as LGBTQ+ activists and allies denounced his speech as inflammatory and dangerous.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against Milei
In response to Milei’s remarks, Argentine Congressman Esteban Paulón, a long-time LGBTQ+ rights advocate, filed a criminal complaint against the president. Paulón, who has been outspoken on issues of discrimination and human rights, argued that Milei’s comments constitute hate speech, which he claimed could lead to violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
“Milei radicalizes hate speech based on lies and fabricated truths,” Paulón told The Washington Blade. “His statements promote harmful stereotypes and encourage violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. We’ve filed a criminal complaint, understanding that his words are not just dangerous—they’re criminal.”
Paulón added that LGBTQ+ families in Argentina are living in fear due to Milei’s rhetoric, which he believes has stoked tensions in a nation that, despite Milei’s claims, has a significant LGBTQ+ rights movement.
“There are fathers and mothers afraid of being denounced for allowing their children to express their gender identity,” Paulón said. “LGBTQ+ couples fear that their children will be taken away from them.”
Paulón also pointed out that Milei’s support largely comes from ultra-conservative groups, while the majority of Argentinians do not share his extremist views. He emphasized that many citizens are concerned about the divisive and harmful effects of the president’s rhetoric on the country’s social fabric.
Argentine Activists Plan a March Against Hate
In response to Milei’s speech, LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organizations in Argentina have announced plans to hold a march in Buenos Aires on February 1. The event, titled “For a Country Without Hate,” aims to send a strong message against the president’s divisive remarks and to promote unity and acceptance within the country. The march is expected to draw thousands of participants, including families, activists, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
The march will also serve as a platform for condemning the growing climate of fear and hatred in Argentina, where LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies have faced increasing challenges in the wake of Milei’s election.
Global Reaction and Continued Tensions
Milei’s comments have resonated beyond Argentina’s borders, with global LGBTQ+ rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, condemning his rhetoric as dangerous and irresponsible. Human rights experts have warned that such language can fuel discrimination, violence, and political instability in societies already grappling with issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
For many, the speech represents a troubling trend of rising far-right populism around the world, where political leaders are increasingly using divisive language to mobilize their bases by attacking marginalized communities. Milei’s comments come at a time when LGBTQ+ rights activists are pushing for greater legal protections and visibility, not just in Argentina, but across Latin America and globally.
As Milei continues to push his far-right agenda in both domestic and international arenas, the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Argentina remains uncertain. With the president’s approval rating continuing to rise among conservative voters, many activists fear that his rhetoric could lead to further setbacks for LGBTQ+ protections and equality in the country.
Javier Milei’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos have ignited a fierce debate about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Argentina and beyond. With criminal complaints filed against him and a march for equality planned in Buenos Aires, it is clear that his attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are far from being overlooked. As Milei’s far-right rhetoric continues to gain traction, advocates are preparing for a long and difficult struggle to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Argentina.