On January 12, Mar Garcellin made history by becoming Spain’s first member of parliament with Down syndrome. Galecan, who belongs to the People’s Party (PP) and the Valencian community’s parliament, Corts Valencianes, was elected to the Valencian regional parliament. Her achievement is not only a personal victory for her, but also an important milestone for all people with intellectual disabilities. “This is unprecedented,” Garcellan said. guardian About her accomplishments. “Society is starting to realize that people with Down syndrome have a lot to contribute, but it’s a very long journey.”
Garcellan has been an advocate for people with genetic disorders and intellectual disabilities for decades. The 45-year-old has over 30 years of experience working in politics, and she has shown an unwavering dedication to serving the people of the Valencian community.
Who is Mal Garthlan?
Mar Garceran first entered politics at the age of 13, interning with the president of the Valenciana regional parliament. She also interned for her four years at an organization called Asindown. Down Syndrome Association of Valencia. She joined the People’s Party at the age of 18, citing “acceptance of tradition.”
Garceran has worked for the community for decades, rising through the ranks to rank 20th on the People’s Party’s party list for the 2023 Valencia regional elections last May. She joined the Colts Valencianas on September 14, 2023. Garcellan aims to eliminate her prejudice against her intellectual disability. “I want people to see me as a person, not just my disability,” she said. Guardian.
Other leaders with intellectual disabilities
Some media reports claim that Garcellin is the first person with an intellectual disability to become a member of parliament in Europe. Christian Science Monitor reported in 2021 that Eleanor Laloux, a city councilor in Arras, France, became the first person with Down syndrome to be elected to public office.
In 2013, Ángela Bachirar, a woman with Down syndrome, became a member of Spain’s Valladolid City Council, becoming the first official with a genetic disorder. Bashirah replaced her predecessor, who resigned amid corruption allegations against her. In Peru, 27-year-old Brian Russell, a man with Down syndrome, ran for parliament in 2019. In his campaign, Russell said he wanted to “break the paradigm” common in Peruvian society and prove that people with Down syndrome can have their rights respected. The syndrome can be independent.