Protests against the controversial pastor Marco Feliciano continue throughout Brazil which began when it became a possibility of Feliciano becoming president of the Commission on Human Rights and Minorities. Due to controversial statements about gays and Africans, protests have continued for several weeks. BW of Brazil featured this story a few weeks back. See it here. Below is how Notícias Terra covered the story.
by Carla Costa
Demonstrations also took place in other cities of Brazil against the entry of the pastor into the Human Rights Commission of Congress
Not even the threat of rain was able to disrupt the demonstration against Congressman Marco Feliciano (PSC/SP) on Saturday afternoon in Salvador. To the sound of the band Olodum, the act was held in Campo Grande Square by members of the Movimento Negro (Black Movement) and entities linked to LGBT causes.
According to the protesters, about 300 people, the protest is against the entry of Deputado (Congressman) Feliciano Commission into the presidency of the Commission of Human Rights and Minorities (DHM) of Congress. “This deputado doesn’t represent the Brazilian and Bahian family, made up of by blacks, mixed race people, whites, religious and atheists. We want a person who has a discourse for the future of our country and that doesn’t preach hatred, racism and homophobia,” said President of Grupo Gay of Bahia, Luiz Mott.
“Feliciano is an attack on democracy, the republic, society and plurality. If we accept this, it will be the begining of a dark process” – João Jorge, president of Olodum
This is the second mobilization held in Salvador. This time, the protesters used a social network to call on people’s participation. “We say (he) WON’T STAY. The struggle for the people, for the woman, for blacks, for the family, for diversity and love, remains! We want a person who has a discourse for the future of our country and doesn’t preach hatred, racism and homophobia. Even evangelicals repudiate his presence. The issue is not religious, but it is social, in favor of Brazilian society,” says the group’s page on Facebook.
Since last Saturday until yesterday, manifestations have occurred in Curitiba (southern state of Paraná), São Paulo (São Paulo), Recife (northeastern state of Pernambuco), Porto Alegre (southern state of Rio Grande do Sul), Fortaleza (northeastern state of Ceará), Brasilia (DF – Distrito Federal – Federal District) and Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janiero).
For Fabrini Dantas, 16, student, the act of repudiation should happen more often in Brazil in order that the Partido Social Cristão (Christian Social Party) hears the voices echoing in the streets. “Having a guy like that elected is a disgrace. A politician prosecuted for embezzlement, a racist, stating that we blacks are cursed because of our color, cannot hold a position at this level. He has nothing for humans, how can he speak on behalf of human rights?” Fabrini asked.
The President of Olodum, João Jorge, said that the presence of the band at the rally is to represent the appreciation of blacks in a predominantly black city that can’t accept quietly the statements made by the deputado.
“Feliciano is an attack on democracy, the republic, society and plurality. If we accept this, it will be the beginning of a dark process,” he added.
Feliciano is pastor of the Assembléia de Deus (Assembly of God) church and became a controversial figure after posting statements on social networks considered prejudicial against homosexuals and also racist in 2011. On March 12, he was elected to chair of the Commission on Human Rights and Minorities of Brazilian National Congress.
Source: Notícias Terra
Leave a Reply