Chilean lawmakers propose suspension of Ley Karin harassment law

A legislative controversy has emerged in Chile regarding Ley Karin, a law designed to prevent and sanction workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and violence. A group of deputies from the National Libertarian Party, supported by members of the Republican Party and independent representatives, have proposed a bill to suspend the law for five years.

Proponents of the suspension argue that the law has caused an institutional and operational collapse, noting that over 66,000 complaints had been filed by December 2025. They claim the current design places an excessive administrative burden on institutions and that the law is being misused. They seek to temporarily return to previous labor regulations while the law is redesigned.

However, the Chilean government and the Senate leadership have rejected the suspension. President José Antonio Kast stated that while laws can be perfected and modified to address misuse or difficulties, the objective of the original mandate must be preserved. Senate President Paulina Núñez and Vice President Iván Moreira described the suspension as the "wrong path," arguing that the law represents a significant advancement in worker protections and that efforts should focus on refining regulations rather than halting the law entirely.