Lawmaker defends bill to restrict minors' presence after 2 AM at public events

Paraguayan congressman Santiago Benítez is defending a proposed law that would limit the presence of minors at public events after 2:00 AM unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Benítez stated that the initiative is not intended to restrict freedoms but to enhance the protection of children and adolescents during the early morning hours.

The bill stipulates that minors cannot remain at public or privately-owned public access events after 2:00 AM without a parent or legally authorized tutor. Benítez explained that the project is based on the principle of the "best interests of the child," a concept enshrined in Paraguay's Constitution and the Code of Childhood and Adolescence. He believes the law will provide a legal framework for the Public Ministry, National Police, and judicial bodies to intervene when they find minors unaccompanied during these late hours.

Benítez stressed that responsibility for protecting minors is shared among the state, family, and society. He argued that the proposed norm strengthens parental duty, obligating them to accompany their children if they choose to stay out late. He questioned the tendency to blame authorities when incidents involving minors occur, asking, "Where are the parents?"

To support the measure, Benítez cited statistics on traffic accidents, underage alcohol consumption, and other offenses that occur in the early morning. Although he did not present specific data during his televised interview, he asserted that statistics show adolescents are more exposed to risky situations after 2:00 AM. He clarified that the project does not prohibit young people from recreational activities but sets conditions for their presence during hours considered high-risk.