Two trans women were forbidden to take photos in the Basilica of the National Vow, in Quito

In social networks a video was viralized in which denounces that two trans women from Cuenca, who were visiting Quito, They were forbidden to take pictures in the Basilica of the National Vow. The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 22.

People from the trans community were accompanied by their friend, the Ecuadorian actress Gabu Córdova. The three of them took photos with the facade of the Basilica in the background, when a church security worker tells them they can’t take any more photos without permission.

Córdova recorded what happened with his cell phone. In the video it is observed that the employee justifies his action by stating that the church is private. “The regulation is not type of photos without any permission,” said the security officer, who also argued that he was following orders.

However, at the same time, other visitors who walked through the Basilica were photographed without inconvenience. Córdova complained about this, while focusing with the camera of his phone at the people: “Will that man have permission? I do not think so. Will she have permission? no, I think, because everyone comes here to take pictures. In other words, the problem is the clothing of the (trans) girls, ”criticized the actress.

The worker insisted that they should get permission from the church. But Córdova again pointed out the people who were taking photos without problems, to which The employee asked the three of them to leave the place.

One of the trans women expressed her discontent. “People still don’t believe the church continues to discriminate against us and that is a serious problem, “he said.

The situation outraged many people who expressed their rejection. Therefore, as an action of protest against discrimination, the trans community made a call for this November 28, at 11:00, to a ‘Sunday photograph’ outside the Basilica.

The Council for the Protection of Rights of Quito ruled on the matter and described it as a violent act, of discrimination and transphobia. In a statement, the organization expressed solidarity with trans women and urged that the Board for the Protection of the Rights of Women and the Elderly to pronounce itself and issue the pertinent measures.

In addition, the Council urged the religious community that administers the church to “withdraw any provision that violates the rights of diverse people to enjoy their contemplation and photographic record, especially if it is the expression of discriminatory behavior,” the statement reads. (I)