Federal Representative Paulo Bilynskyj (PL) presented, on Tuesday (11), a bill aimed at criminalizing attacks on religious leaders on social networks, in response to a wave of criticism directed at the priest of the Catholic Church Friar Gilson.
The PL 885 of 2025 proposes a penalty of imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and a fine for those who “promote, organize or perform mass attacks against religious or faithful leaders, through social networks, with the objective of inciting hatred, intolerance and violence”.
The proposal came after the controversy involving, which went viral on social networks on International Women’s Day (8), when the religious made a statement considered macho, saying that the weakness of women was wanting “always more”.
“This is the weakness of the woman. She always wants more. ‘I am not satisfied just having the qualities of a woman. I want more ‘. And this is the ideology of current worlds. I will even use the word you have heard a lot: empowerment. ‘I want more’. Of course to see that God gave man the lead, ”said Friar Gilson.
Frei Gilson, known for his live daily prayers, attracts millions of followers. With 7.8 million followers on Instagram, the religious leader has stood out as one of the greatest Christian influencers in Brazil. His latest live, held at the beginning of Lent, reached more than one million viewers.
The reaction to his statements generated one, especially among his supporters and critics. The religious, who has a strong connection with the far right, is supported by figures such as Deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL) and former President Jair Bolsonaro, who also shared Frei Gilson images praising his influence.
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In addition to his preaching, Friar Gilson promotes events, such as “Awakens Brazil”, a two -day festival scheduled for Brasilia, with the expectation of bringing together 70,000 people. The event, which charges tickets of $ 70, seeks to “awaken” a large crowd of worshipers.
