Former porn star turns lawmaker in Colombia

Former journalist and adult film actress Daisy Alejandra Omania Ortiz, widely known by her stage name Amaranta Hank, has been sworn in as a senator in Colombia after winning a seat on a pledge to advocate for the rights and social protection of adult content creators.

Daisy Alejandra Omania Ortiz, better known in the adult entertainment industry as Amaranta Hank, was sworn in as a senator in Colombia on Monday, marking an unconventional political journey from journalism and adult entertainment to national politics.

According to Colombian newspaper La Opinión, the 33-year-old took the oath of office in Bogotá as a senator representing the left-wing Historic Pact coalition.

Ortiz worked as a journalist before leaving the profession in 2017 to enter the adult film industry. She exited the industry two years later and joined left-wing politics.

She was elected to the Senate in March from the Norte de Santander department. Since then, she has pledged to push for legislation guaranteeing social protection and labour rights for adult content creators in Colombia.

During her election campaign, Ortiz argued that misinformation, stigma and double standards have prevented the adult entertainment industry from being properly regulated, leaving many workers; particularly women without state protection.

Responding to critics who questioned whether former adult film performers should hold public office, Ortiz said, "Why shouldn't a woman who worked in the adult industry dream of being elected by the people?"

She cited the example of former adult film star and Italian politician Ilona Staller, saying her own experiences had given her a deeper understanding of discrimination, the struggle for freedom and the importance of people-centred economic policies.

"The real problem is that society consumes adult films but does not want us to have a voice in positions of power," Ortiz said.

The Historic Pact, the political alliance led by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, secured 25 seats in the Senate, emerging as the largest political bloc in the chamber. Ortiz won a seat after being placed 23rd on the coalition's candidate list.

Following her election, she thanked supporters, saying she felt "the love and support" of the people.

In addition to advocating for adult workers' rights, Ortiz has pledged to promote better mental health services and stronger measures to prevent sexual violence.

Colombia is also set for a political transition. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro was barred from seeking a second consecutive term under the country's constitution. Conservative politician Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to be sworn in as Colombia's next president on August 7.

Source: New York Post, citing La Opinión.

-HIS