Chile Senate advances bill against false accusations in family
Chile’s Senate has moved forward with legislation designed to impose sanctions and create a specialized procedure for false accusations in legal cases, particularly within family law and sexual crimes. The measure was referred to the Constitution Committee after the Women and Gender Equity Committee rejected it in a report following two sessions and public hearings.
The Women and Gender Equity Committee rejected the bill on the grounds that false accusations, defined as deliberate, malicious claims, should not be equated with cases lacking sufficient evidence. The Senate’s Constitution Committee will now examine the proposal, which seeks to uphold the presumption of innocence, ensure fair legal proceedings, and penalize misuse of the justice system.
The bill includes provisions for financial reparations to those wrongfully accused and defines the roles of judges, forensic experts, and private professionals. Opponents argue the law could discourage victims, especially children and adolescents, from reporting abuses due to fears of being discredited, particularly when distinguishing between intentional falsehoods and genuine but mistaken claims.
Advocates of the bill contend it would address systemic misuse, such as false allegations used as tactical tools in family disputes or custody battles. Senator Vanessa Kaiser, a primary sponsor, stated that the legislation targets deliberate deception rather than cases where evidence is insufficient. “This prevents children from being manipulated as weapons in conflicts or for financial gain,” she explained.
Lawmakers also pointed to existing problems, including courts issuing restraining orders based on weak evidence, which can cause harm to defendants. The debate shows a broader conflict between protecting abuse victims and preventing the exploitation of legal processes.
As the Constitution Committee reviews the bill, its passage remains uncertain. Legal analysts stress that any revisions must carefully weigh accountability for false claims against protections for vulnerable groups, particularly those already marginalized in legal proceedings.
