Original article: FUAN exige medidas para proteger a las personas autistas tras video del exasesor del PNL: “No puede agotarse en declaraciones”
The Union Foundation for Autism and Neurodiversity (FUAN) has called for measures to protect autistic individuals following the release of a video in which former legislative advisor of the Libertarian National Party (PNL), Ítalo Omegna, made inappropriate sexual comments in a mocking tone about minors and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The video’s content has sparked immense public outcry and drawn widespread condemnation from political and social organizations. In response, Omegna resigned from his position as legislative advisor to Deputy Hans Marowski (PNL), while the Mises Institute of South Cone initiated proceedings to sever ties with him as their director of outreach, citing the comments as «incompatible with the values, conduct standards, and representation» required of their members.
In a statement, FUAN noted that even though this case has garnered public outrage, national attention, and widespread rejection, «it cannot end with mere statements». They emphasized that following the condemnation and public outcry over the severe dehumanizing and discriminatory expressions against autistic individuals, it is essential to initiate an investigative phase «to determine any possible responsibilities».
«We call on the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Undersecretariat of Childhood, the Ministries of Education and Health, the National Institute of Human Rights, and the National Congress to exercise their respective competencies. All relevant records should be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, to investigate the complete context of the recording and determine possible responsibilities with full respect for due process and the presumption of innocence,» the statement reads.
Furthermore, FUAN extended a request to the National Disability Service (SENADIS) to, in accordance with Law No. 20,422; the Autism Law; and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, issue a public statement and inform about the coordination, awareness, and protection actions that will be taken.
The organization pointed out that the grave expressions disseminated by a group of individuals on social media, as seen in Omegna’s video, trivialize sexual violence and stigmatize autistic individuals, autistic children, and those who use non-verbal communication methods, stressing that society must send a clear message regarding this issue.
Former PNL Advisor’s Resignation Cannot Close This «Episode»
The organization asserts that the resignation of the former PNL legislative advisor cannot conclude this “episode”, nor does it absolve the «institutional responsibility that these events demand».
Therefore, it reiterated that once institutions conduct an investigation ensuring due process and determine any potential responsibilities, “only then can we reaffirm the boundaries of our democratic coexistence and the duty to protect the dignity and integrity of autistic and disabled individuals”.
Dehumanizing Discourse and Trivialization of Sexual Violence Cannot Be Normalized
FUAN recognized and appreciated that the National Autism Federation (Fenaut) decided to submit the details of the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and announced that it is evaluating legal actions regarding those incidents that may constitute a crime.
In conclusion, the foundation highlighted that together with Fenaut, they have exerted political pressure and public management to raise awareness about this case from a rights-based perspective and to protect the integrity of the autistic population. They underscored that in light of the comments made by the former PNL advisor in the video, society must respond clearly: “dehumanizing discourse, stigmatization, and the trivialization of sexual violence cannot be normalized.”
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