Rio will soon ban hiring of those guilty of religious intolerance. The City Council approved a new law.
It targets individuals committing crimes based on faith. Carlo Caiado, the Council’s President, lifted an earlier partial veto on this law.
Now, people causing harm to religious sites or symbols face consequences. They won’t be eligible for jobs with the city for three years.
They must also pay for any damage and make a public apology.
The law defines religious harm. It includes disrupting worship services, desecrating holy items, and vandalizing worship places like temples.
Offenders must attend a course on religious tolerance. The city’s Religious Freedom Council will organize this course.
A fine of 2,000 Brazilian Reais applies for repeat violations.
City Council member Átila Nunes co-authored the bill. He said faith is personal and essential.
“Attacking a religious symbol is like attacking what’s most important to someone—their belief,” he noted.
Religious intolerance
Religious intolerance has been a growing concern in Brazil. Reports of faith-based hate crimes have increased in recent years.
This law comes as a response to these worrying trends. In 2020 alone, Brazil saw a significant rise in attacks on religious places.
Rio de Janeiro is a city of diverse faiths. It’s home to Christians, Muslims, and followers of African-Brazilian religions.
This diversity makes it a focal point for discussions on religious freedom.
Past incidents have involved the vandalizing of churches and temples. Afro-Brazilian religious sites often faced the most damage.
These acts harm community bonds and create tension among citizens.
The City Council has discussed the issue in many sessions. Earlier versions of the law faced delays and modifications.
The lifting of the veto marks a crucial step in local governance.