Mexico City Congress urges action against online hate speech

Lawmakers in Mexico City are calling for stronger measures against online hate speech and gender-based digital violence. The Permanent Commission of the Congress of the City of Mexico has urged the Secretariat for Women and the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination (Copred) to implement preventive actions and sanctions on digital platforms and social media.

This push comes after recent comments made on the podcast "Pláticas del Mal." Local Morena party deputy Cecilia Vadillo highlighted that commentators used a 10-0 loss by the Cruz Azul women's soccer team as a pretext to insult, denigrate, sexualize, and question the players' right to be on the field. Vadillo noted that while men's performance is critiqued, women are often attacked for their very presence, labeling it misogyny and political violence.

Vadillo emphasized the harmful impact of normalized hate speech, stating that it has a multiplying effect, legitimizes abusive behavior, and discourages young girls from pursuing sports. She affirmed that freedom of expression, while a protected right, is not absolute and must respect the dignity, freedom, and non-discrimination of others, citing constitutional and legal frameworks that recognize digital violence against women.