Peru’s parliament bans miniskirts, sparks outrage
The Peruvian Congress has banned female employees from wearing miniskirts, shorts, and jeans, sparking anger and accusations of sexism.
Officials claim the ban is part of efforts to address a suspected prostitution ring operating within the parliament.
The decision, according to NDTV, follows the murder of Andrea Vidal, a former legal advisor to Congress, who was shot dead near her home last December.
Investigators believe Vidal was connected to the alleged prostitution network, which reportedly involved arranging encounters between women and high-ranking officials.
Jorge Luis Torres Saravia, a former head of the Congress’s Legal and Constitutional Office, has been accused of running the ring. He denies any involvement in Vidal’s murder and claims they were only friends.
The move to ban certain clothing has been widely criticised by civil society groups, who argue it does nothing to address the real problems in Congress.
Many view it as an attempt to shift focus away from deeper scandals, including corruption and sexual exploitation.
Peru’s Congress is one of the most disliked legislative bodies in the world, with 82% of the population disapproving of its performance. More than half of its 130 members face criminal investigations, ranging from bribery to domestic violence.
Allegations of sexual misconduct are also common.
