Lawmaker apologises after being caught on camera vaping in parliament
A Colombian lawmaker has issued an apology after being caught on camera vaping during a parliamentary session discussing healthcare reforms. Cathy Juvinao, a Green Alliance Party member representing Bogotá, was seen using a vape pen just before speaking to the legislative body on Tuesday during a debate on health policy changes. In the video, shared on X, the congresswoman can be seen vaping before noticing the cameras, quickly exhaling, and putting the device away.
The video quickly spread online, prompting Juvinao to apologize on social media. In her post, she admitted to her lapse in judgment and promised not to repeat the behavior. "I apologize to the citizens for what happened yesterday in the plenary session. I will not contribute to the bad example that is currently dominating public discourse, and it won’t happen again," she wrote in Spanish.
"Rest assured, I will continue to fight in the House with the same arguments and rigor as always," she added.
According to USA Today, both smoking and vaping are prohibited in government buildings in Colombia, including the parliamentary chambers. Earlier this year, President Gustavo Petro signed a law to regulate the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in the country.
Juvinao’s actions have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some criticized the breach of protocol, others appreciated the congresswoman’s quick acknowledgment and apology.
"It’s muscle memory. She didn’t realize she was doing it. Look at her reaction when she realizes. Shame and discomfort. This is no different from sipping coffee during a meeting if it’s something you do regularly. I’m not saying it’s right or professional, but sometimes there are physiological triggers for actions," one user commented.
"Leading by example... not exactly what they had in mind for a 'health' reform meeting," another user remarked.