Argentine President Javier Miley bans the use of gender-neutral language in official contexts

The reason is the ban imposed by the country's president, Javier Miley. The law goes into effect immediately and, according to the presidential house spokesman, bans “inclusive language” that Miley believes was invented by the “ruling cultural Marxist elite.”

According to SVT's correspondent in Argentina, Tigran Weiler, it's about Miley and the government wanting to send a signal.

– Many residents believe that it is a matter of Milei not going through major financial changes, and then you choose to address these cultural issues to show your ability to work.

“Becoming more used in Argentina”

The Spanish language is gender-based, with masculine words ending with the letter “o” and feminine words ending with the letter “a.”

In an attempt to make the language inclusive, many Spanish-speaking countries have introduced a system in which words can instead end in “x”, “e” or “@” to be inclusive. This is now prohibited in official contexts.

– However, schools, private institutions, and individuals are allowed to continue there. Tigran Weiler says it is becoming increasingly used in Argentina.

It is also said that one should “avoid unnecessary use of feminine versions of words in formal contexts.”

It sparked strong criticism

The ban has received heavy criticism from the Argentine feminist movement and LGBTQ activists, among others.

“People are starting to use it more now that the president said you can't” – Watch Tigran Weiler talking about the backlash the ban has received.