Governor asked to publicly apologize

Mexican Senators approved a resolution that calls Baja California Gov. Jaime Bonilla to publicly apologize for his recent remarks against Tecate Mayor Zulema Adams.

Senators of the Commission of Gender Equality also asked state authorities to avoid using discriminatory, prejudiced or stereotyped expressions while respecting human rights, private life and people’s dignity while in public debate.

Mayor Adams filed a complaint against Bonilla and Secretary of Government Amador Rodriguez for alleged threats made against her after the city council voted against a constitutional reform to reduce next gubernatorial term.

Commission members said in the resolution that remarks made by state officials might represent gender-based political violence.

The alleged threats from state officials are considered acts of pressure and intimidation that must be investigated.

The senators also identified remarks made by Bonilla on July 4 as sexist, requiring censure.

The governor has repeatedly said Mayor Adams spends too much time in the beauty salon while neglecting city business.

The resolution was approved by a dozen lawmakers, including Sen. Alejandra Leon, a Mexicali member of the Workers Party.

Gov. Bonilla has denied his statements were sexist and insisted the mayor has failed to address Tecate issues like trash collection, public safety and street maintenance.

“No apologies must be made to a person who doesn’t work,” Bonilla said. “The city is under complete anarchy.”

He recalled on May two guards of the chief of Police were killed. During the funeral police officers held a demonstration against Mayor Adams.

Bonilla shared a photo of the mayor with her stylist, who was apparently hired as part of the staff of the emergency department.

“We voted for a change in Baja California,” Bonilla added. “We cannot tolerate that this happens in the new administrations.”