Father-of-two legally changes gender in bizarre bid to gain custody of wife's daughters

René Salinas Ramos, 47, who lives in Ecuador, says he decided to take the drastic measure because the country's judicial system generally favors the mother in custody battles

René Salinas Ramos claimed that fathers in Ecuador are "seen only as a provider" (

Image: Jam Press)

A father has legally changed his sex in a baffling attempt to give him a better chance of gaining custody of his two daughters.

René Salinas Ramos says he made this decision because his country's legal system generally benefits mothers in such cases.

The 47-year-old said, "Being a father in this country, Ecuador, is punished and I'm only seen as a provider."

The father-of-two said his gender reassignment was not due to his sexuality, but simply because of what he sees as a biased justice system.

"I am very sure of my sexuality", added René.

"What I was looking for was to give the love and protection that a mother can give to her children."

René is involved in a custody battle with his ex-partner for their two daughters in the province of Azuay.

He said he hadn't seen his eldest daughter in 18 months.

René with one of his daughters (

Picture:

Press Jam)

To give himself a better chance of getting custody, he decided to change his gender at the registry office.

He added, "The law takes away our right to be parents. It's a proof of love."

He added, "Until this matter is resolved, they must stay with their mother."

Rene's stance has angered many trans activists around the country who have fought for the law to be changed to allow citizens to change their gender.

A spokesperson for the Ecuadorian Federation of LGBT+ Organizations called it a "private matter" and not a "sp...