Colombian Court Overturns Law Creating Ministry of Equality, Despite Promised Progress: What’s Next?

In a surprising turn of events, the Constitutional Court of Colombia has overturned the law creating the Ministry of Equality, led by Vice President France Marquez. The high court cited procedural defects in Congress as the reason for its decision. Despite this setback, the Ministry will continue to exist until 2026, as the Court deferred its decision for two legislative terms.

The lawsuit challenging the Ministry was filed by Senator Paloma Valencia of the Uribista party, who criticized the Ministry as “pure bureaucracy.” Valencia pointed out that the Ministry had a budget of 1.3 trillion pesos, with a significant portion allocated to positions rather than investments benefiting Colombians. She emphasized that the Government failed to present a fiscal impact study for the project.

The Ministry of Equality was officially approved by Congress in December 2022 and established to address the needs of 14 towns and various marginalized populations in Colombia. Despite its noble intentions, the Ministry has faced criticism for executing less than 1% of its budget this year.

The Ministry is divided into five vice-ministries, focusing on different segments of the population, including women, youth, territories, excluded populations, diversities, people with disabilities, and ethnic peoples. The Minister of Equality was a campaign promise of President Gustavo Petro and was headed by France Marquez.