Colombian Legislator Cathy Juvinao Apologizes for Vaping in Parliament, Citing Error in Judgment

A Colombian legislator, Cathy Juvinao, recently sparked controversy after being filmed vaping during a parliamentary session dedicated to healthcare reform. The incident, which was captured on camera, quickly garnered widespread attention and criticism.

Juvinao, a representative of Bogotá and a member of the Green Alliance Party, was seen using an electronic cigarette during a December 17 meeting in the country's Chamber of Representatives. The timing of the event was especially ironic, as the session was focused on discussing reforms to Colombia's healthcare policies.

The video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing strong reactions from the public. In response to the backlash, Juvinao took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize, acknowledging her mistake and promising not to repeat it. She stated, "I will not contribute to the negative tone that is currently prevalent in public discourse, and I assure you that this incident will not be repeated."

Colombia recently passed a law regulating electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, aiming to impose stricter controls on their use. Additionally, smoking and vaping are banned in government buildings, including the legislative chambers. This incident occurred just months after President Gustavo Petro signed legislation designed to reduce the popularity of electronic cigarettes and vapes in the country.

While some people condemned Juvinao’s actions as a violation of parliamentary rules, others appreciated her prompt acknowledgment and apology. The event sparked a broader debate about the behavior of public officials and their responsibility to adhere to established protocols.

Some critics argue that an apology alone is insufficient and called for appropriate consequences to ensure accountability. As public figures, lawmakers are often expected to set an example, and incidents like this can influence public trust and their reputations.

In the viral video, Juvinao was seen briefly vaping from a bright yellow pen before realizing she was being filmed. She quickly exhaled and concealed the device, but not before it was captured on camera. The footage was shared widely, prompting widespread online commentary.

Despite her apology, which she made in Spanish, many social media users expressed mixed opinions. Some sympathized with her, suggesting that her behavior was unintentional, while others criticized her for undermining the integrity of the healthcare reform discussion.

One user remarked, "It's muscle memory. She didn't realize she was doing it. Look at her reaction when she notices." Meanwhile, another commenter noted, "Leading by example… not exactly what they had in mind for a health reform meeting."

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)