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Reports of homophobic behavior skyrocket
Soaring hotline reports could be associated with anti-gay remarks made
Published on 02/10/2014 - 13:06 By Helena Martins reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília
A number of demonstrations were held in Brazil in recent days, including a public rally staged on Tuesday (Sep. 30) in São Paulo, in repudiation of Fidelix's attitude.: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil
In just four days, the Disque 100 (“Dial 100”) hotline for human rights violations has received 6,000 reports of homophobic behavior. This figure exceeds that recorded for the past three years, the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency, which runs the service, reports.
The sharp rise in the number of calls could be associated with remarks made by presidential candidate Levy Fidelix (of the Brazilian Labor Renewal Party), who after being questioned about same-sex marriage in a TV debate, referred to homosexuality as a “psychological disorder.” He went on to compare homosexuals to “pedophiles” and called on Brazilians to “confront” the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and transgender populations.
Because of this, a number of demonstrations were held in Brazil in recent days, including a public rally staged on Tuesday (Sep. 30) in São Paulo, in repudiation of Fidelix's attitude. In addition to demonstrations, the statements also prompted at least three lawsuits which are under consideration by the Superior Electoral Court.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Reports of homophobic behavior skyrocket
Edition: Stênio Ribeiro / Augusto Queiroz