Fired lesbian teacher sues Chilean state

A Chilean teacher who was fired from her job due to her sexual orientation has taken the government to court.

Sandra Cecilia Pavez had taught religion for 23 years at a public high school but was sacked in 2007 after coming out of the closet. She had previously filed a pair of lawsuits in a local court and the country’s Supreme Court but both tribunals was rejected her. As a result, she filed her latest lawsuit earlier this month with the Inter-American Human Rights Court.

In a press conference last week, Pavez and her representatives argued that the Chilean justice system was far from being just:

(President of the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation Rolando Jimenez said) "Once again, people who have a different sexual orientation are systematically denied justice.

"Sandra's case demonstrates how sexual minorities do not have rights in the eyes of this country's judicial system, and the only option left is to seek international assistance."

Ms Pavez said:

"If there is no guarantee of my rights as a citizen in this country then what kind of citizen am I? A third or second class citizen? Maybe I don't even have a category in my country."

In response to Pavez’ lawsuit the head of the local diocese dismissed her claims by suggesting that she seek psychiatric help. (How classy).

Though Latin America’s gay community has made some strides in recent times, Pavez’ ordeal shows that much still has to be done to overcome homophobia.

(Hat tip: Blabbeando).

Image- Santiago Times (“Sandra Pavez (center) with her lawyer (right) and MOVILH President Rolando Jiminéz (left).”)
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, Blabbeando, The Valparaiso Times, PinkNews.co.uk