Authorization to discriminate without being punished. This is the motto of the new project approved by the Chamber's Human Rights Commission, chaired by deputy pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP).
The measure frees religious temples from being framed for the crime of discrimination if they ban the presence of citizens who "violate their values, doctrines, beliefs and liturgies", in other words, it guarantees the possibility of Churches to prohibit the presence of homosexuals.
Representative Washington Reis (PMDB-RJ) is the author of the project. According to him, the proposal targets legal actions filed by gays and lesbians who felt discriminated against by religious entities.
"Due attention should be given to the fact that homosexual practice is described in many religious doctrines as conduct that is at odds with their beliefs. For this reason, such religious organizations must be given the right to freedom of expression", states the deputy .
If it goes ahead, the measure must amend a 1989 law that defines it as a crime to practice, induce or incite discrimination or prejudice based on race, color, ethnicity, religion or national origin, under penalty of one to three years in prison.
The committee that approved the proposal is made up mostly, of course, of evangelical members. The text now goes to a vote in the CCJ (Constitution and Justice Committee) of the Chamber.
