‘Any conduct that involves intolerance or religious discrimination represents a direct affront to the constitutional order and the international commitments assumed by the country’
The Brazilian Bar Association of Rio de Janeiro (OAB-RJ) published a note of repudiation on Tuesday (17) against the parade of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school which, in addition to honoring President Lula (PT), portrayed the traditional family in tin cans.
The parade placed a heterosexual couple and children in tin cans, in the “Neoconservatives in Conserva” wing. On the cans, representations of evangelicals, military men and white women appeared.
The entity stated that “any conduct that involves religious intolerance representa direct affront to the constitutional order and the international commitments assumed by the country.” The statement also highlights that religious freedom is a fundamental right and constitutes “an essential pillar of the Democratic Rule of Law”.
“A OAB-RJ a CCIRE [Comissão de Combate à Intolerância Religiosa] e a CEADC [Comissão Especial de Advogados Cristãos] Finally, they reaffirm their uncompromising commitment to defending religious freedom, promoting peaceful and respectful coexistence between different faiths and firmly and permanently combating all forms of intolerance and discrimination”, concludes the note.
Criticism of Lula
In addition to evangelicals being uncomfortable with the allegories, some political figures also spoke out on the topic. The parade is the target of the opposition, which accuses the samba school of doing advance propaganda for the current president.
O and pre-candidate for President, Romeu Zema (Novo), said on social media that he will take legal action due to religious prejudice. “This is not art, but rather disrespect. You can disagree with someone, you can debate politics, but ridiculing the faith of millions of Brazilians is religious prejudice,” he said.
Federal deputy Caroline de Toni (no party-SC), pre-candidate for the Senate, endorsed the criticisms of this wing of the parade. “Let it remain as a warning for those who still think it’s an exaggeration. It’s translucent: the target is conservative families and values”, he posted on social media.
Former president Michel Temer minimized the controversy. “Political satire is part of the carnival tradition. And as a defender of freedom of expression and artistic freedom, I do not judge the choices made as a theme on the avenue”, said Temer, in a statement.
