Mexican senator proposes sanctions for disrupting legislative sessions

Laura Itzel Castillo Juárez, president of the Board of Directors of the Senate and the Permanent Commission, has introduced a proposal to penalize legislators who disrupt congressional sessions by interrupting those speaking at the podium. This initiative arises in response to recent disorderly conduct, including a session that required a recess to de-escalate tensions between Senator Lilly Téllez and legislators from the Morena party.

Castillo Juárez stated that such "coup-like attitudes" prevent legislators from expressing their viewpoints and constitute a "boycott." She specifically cited an incident on June 10 where Senator Lilly Téllez allegedly prevented Morena deputy Andrea Navarro from speaking during her allotted time. Castillo Juárez argued that this behavior disrupts the parliamentary process and undermines respect among lawmakers.

The proposed sanction stipulates that the parliamentary group of the legislator who deliberately interrupts a speaker will have their speaking time deducted. The amount of time deducted would be equivalent to the time lost due to the undue intervention. Castillo Juárez believes this measure will encourage order and respect during sessions, ensuring that all legislators have the opportunity to present their arguments without obstruction.

"It is not fair that someone can stand at the podium, say their things and then get off the podium and start boycotting, because there is no other term, the person who is at the podium," Castillo Juárez said. She emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and order in Congress, asserting that everyone has the right to speak when their time is allocated. The initiative seeks to uphold the integrity of legislative debate and prevent the deliberate silencing of voices within the chamber.