The Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ), of the Chamber of Deputies, suspended this Tuesday, 9th, the vote on the proposal that reduces the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 years old. The Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) 32/2015 should be analyzed this Wednesday, 10.
The postponement occurred due to the start of voting in the Chamber Plenary. Two weeks ago, the analysis was also suspended, but due to a request for review.
The rapporteur of the proposal, deputy Coronel Assis (PL-MT), presented a favorable opinion to the change in the law. He argues that the measure does not violate international agreements or an essential clause of the Constitution. However, the parliamentarian removed from the text the amendment whose text allowed 16-year-olds to marry, sign contracts, withdraw a driver’s license and have mandatory voting.
Furthermore, the original text changed the minimum ages to apply for the positions of president, senator, federal and state deputy, mayor and councilor. The excerpt was also removed by the rapporteur.
The topic divides members of the CCJ. Representative Érica Kokay (PT-DF) argued that the proposal violates the Constitution. For her, the definition of majority is a permanent clause, that is, it cannot be changed by PEC.
Representative Talíria Petrone (PSOL-RJ) also criticized the proposal and challenged the premise that teenagers are responsible for the majority of violent crimes. “There is a low incidence of crimes against life committed by teenagers. Socio-educational works more”, he stated.
Representative Bia Kicis (PL-DF) acknowledged that the reduction does not solve the problem of violence alone, but defended approval as a response to the population’s “anguish”.
Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) also defended the approval of the PEC. “This agenda is logical, obvious and rational. There was no need for opposing activism, because minor criminals only have one place: jail”, stated the parliamentarian.
Analysis by the CCJ is just the first step in the process. If approved by the committee, the PEC will still need to go through a special committee and then the Chamber Plenary, in two rounds of voting.
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Today, young people who commit serious infractions undergo socio-educational internment measures for a maximum of three years, as provided for in the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA).
