Brazil Postpones Votes on Misogyny, AI Bills Until After Recess

Brazil's government and lawmakers have postponed votes on two high-priority bills until after the July recess. The legislation includes a measure to criminalize misogyny and another to regulate artificial intelligence.

“

The project that criminalizes misogyny and the one that regulates Artificial Intelligence should only be left for after the recess.

Parliamentarians and government officials had aimed to pass these texts before July 18. However, a lack of consensus, especially regarding the bill against misogyny, led to the postponement. Right-wing lawmakers, particularly from the PL party, expressed strong resistance to the bill targeting hate speech against women online. Despite assurances from Chamber President Hugo Motta that the text had sufficient votes for approval, he announced it would not be voted on this week due to significant pressure.

“

The lack of consensus was the main reason for the postponement of the project that punishes hate speech against women on social media.

The AI regulation bill also encountered delays, not only due to differing opinions but also a packed legislative schedule. Deputies made alterations to the text approved by the Senate and were still working to reach an agreement on these changes. The government believes there is no longer time for further negotiations before the recess.

“

I had the votes to approve the text.

Other priority projects for Motta are also being pushed back. These include a proposal to increase the revenue ceiling for Microentrepreneurs (MEI) to R$130,000 annually and a bill to renegotiate rural producers' debts, which was approved by the Senate in June and has a significant impact on public finances. The government had already been working to defer discussions on these two matters until after the recess. Despite failing to advance other proposals, the government is relieved by the postponement of these other matters.

“

I will not vote on the text this week.