Pastor and state deputy for PTB Waldir Agnello wants to repeal law 10.948, authored by former deputy Renato Simões (PT), which punishes discriminatory conduct against homosexuals in the State of São Paulo. The law was sanctioned in 2001 by then governor Geraldo Alckmin.
The pastor claims that the content of the law is unconstitutional and works in the House to have the support of José Serra's base (PSDB), which is the majority in the Assembly and of which Agnello is part. "The competence of a measure like this is exclusive to Congress. Furthermore, according to the Constitution, any demonstration that attacks any citizen is already subject to punishment", he told Folha de S. Paulo this Friday, the 30th.
“I don’t have a discriminatory or homophobic bias, but I like good customs,” said the evangelical deputy dubiously.
The pastor is also responsible for the request for the impeachment of Carlos Gianazzi (PSOL) because of the presentation of the transformist Nick Peron, in October, which caused a lot of controversy and put the poorly disguised homophobia of São Paulo politicians under the spotlight.
“It is an important, progressive law, it emerged at a time of intolerance towards violence against homosexuals”, says the leader of the PT at Casa Simão Pedro, who is against the repeal of the law.
The Folha article also highlights the strength of evangelicals in the Assembly, measured, according to the newspaper, by the difficulty in approving the project that establishes Gay Pride Day in the state — normally, projects of this type have almost automatic approval.
The text, also written by PT member Renato Simões, has been on hold since 2002 and has not yet been voted on.
