Monday, August 28, 2023

Brazilian Supreme Court rules homophobia punishable by prison

 

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court ruled homophobia now punishable with up to five years in prison. The justices ruled by a 9-1 margin. Their decision equates homophobia to racism in terms of prison time.

The Supreme Federal Court issued its ruling less than eight months after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in Brazil. His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, faced sharp criticism over his rhetoric against LGBTQ and intersex Brazilians and other groups. 

"Such a decision brings legal certainty and reinforces the court’s understanding with regard to the principle of equality and nondiscrimination," said the National LGBTI+ Alliance in a statement. "It is an important step in the civilizing process and in the fight against hatred in Brazilian society."


President Lula da Silva defeated Bolsonaro in October 2022


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