Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez, the former archbishop of Guadalajara, stated in a recent communique that femicides occur because of the “imprudence” of the crimes’ victims – i.e., women.
His statement has drawn the outrage of more than 16 civic organizations.
The cardinal is known for being an outspoken conservative and advocate for a variety of religious-based causes, including the removal of works of public art he and his followers deem offensive to Catholic sensibilities (see GDL Reporter articles related to “Sicretismo”).
The aforementioned organizations, grouped together under the umbrella NGO known as Frente Pro Diversidad, issued their own communique, one which didn’t mince words.
“It’s lamentable and extremely offensive to hear another public figure, shielded by religious investiture and piety, say that the increase in femicides can be attributed to the ‘imprudence’ of women,” reads the missive. “[This statement by the cardinal] generates hostility and justifies violent conduct [against women].”
The group goes on to advocate for Sandoval’s punishment according to Mexican laws relating to discrimination and that his statement be considered by the state to have the effect of “nullifying and insulting women, of being discriminatory and abusive.”