Attorney Ana Irma Rivera Lassén became the third woman in the 172 year history of the Bar Association of Puerto Rico, to be elected president of the institution, as well as being the first black woman and openly gay person occupying the post, according to Noticel news. Rivera Lassén defeated presidential candidate Hector Collazo, 948-341, in a ratio of nearly 3 to 1. “I think most of the people who gave me their support felt called by my work proposal,” said Rivera Lassén after learning the result of the election at the annual meeting of the Bar Association.
The lawyer, a feminist leader, said that, as stated in her work proposal for the presidency, she intends to serve primarily what are considered the most pressing issues for the century-old institution, strengthening membership and services to the Bar, and the solidification of their economic bases. Lassén Rivera also said that the Bar Association will continue its role as defender of citizens’ rights, a role that the present administration has tried to silence.
“They have tried to economically strangle the association in an attempt to defeat it, not only in existential terms, but economic, moral, and all kinds,” the lawyer added. Rivera Lassen is a feminist activist, lawyer and human rights defender. She has been active in issues of women’s rights, the struggle against racism, discrimination based on sexual orientation, and human rights in general.
For original article (in Spanish), see http://www.noticel.com/noticia/129922/historica-la-nueva-presidencia-del-colegio-de-abogados.html Authors: ivetteromero
