Motta defends approval of misogyny proposal by June, creates working group to debate it

In a significant move towards addressing gender-based violence, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is set to commence discussions on a proposal to criminalize misogyny. With the backing of President Hugo Motta, the bill is scheduled for debate starting next week, and a plenary vote is anticipated before the parliamentary recess in June. This legislative push signifies a concerted effort to enhance legal protections for women and to demonstrate the Chamber's commitment to fostering a safer environment for them in Brazil.

“

We will pursue this goal (combating violence against women) by discussing, listening to all parties, so that the misogyny bill can also be approved, giving another demonstration of this House's commitment to giving our women the condition to live in a safer country.

A dedicated working group, spearheaded by Deputy Tabata Amaral, has been established to meticulously examine the proposal. This group is tasked with organizing four public hearings to ensure a comprehensive dialogue with society, various movements, legal experts, and even those who harbor doubts or do not yet support the bill. The aim is to build a broad consensus and incorporate diverse perspectives before the project is analyzed directly in a plenary session under an urgent regime, bypassing further committee reviews. Deputy Amaral will serve as the rapporteur for the text, guiding its progression through the legislative process.

“

We will hold four public hearings to hear society, the movements, jurists, to hear those who have doubts, to dialogue with those who do not support it today, to build a majority here in the Chamber.

The proposed legislation defines misogyny as "conduct that expresses hatred or aversion towards women" and seeks to incorporate "misogynistic insult" as a punishable offense, with penalties ranging from two to five years imprisonment, potentially increased if committed by multiple individuals. The act of practicing, inducing, or inciting misogyny would also become a crime. From the perspective of Folha de S.Paulo, this initiative represents a crucial step in combating gender-based discrimination. While some, like Deputy Bia Kicis, have voiced concerns about potential "control" over speech, proponents like Deputy Amaral emphasize the urgency, stating, "We know that this violence starts with verbal aggression." The bill's journey through the Senate, where it passed with overwhelming support, and its subsequent progression through the Chamber highlight its importance in Brazil's ongoing efforts to confront and legislate against violence and discrimination targeting women.

“

This law primarily punishes the word, it is control.