Brazil Senate advances gender‑based violence legislation, including misogyny criminalization and Ligue 180 promotion

On 8 July 2026 the Brazilian Senate approved two measures aimed at strengthening protections against violence toward women. The first, PL 896/2023, criminalises misogyny by adding it to the existing Racism Law (Law 7.716/1989). The bill defines misogyny as conduct that expresses hatred or aversion toward women, makes the offence inafiançável and imprescritível, and sets penalties of two to five years’ imprisonment for injurious acts. The Senate passed the proposal with 67 votes in favour; it now awaits a vote in the Chamber of Deputies, where consensus has not yet been reached.

The second measure, PL 4.300/2025, requires the federal Executive to broadcast the “Ligue 180” hotline number— a 24‑hour service for reporting violence against women—through mass media and in public spaces such as schools, hospitals, transport hubs and venues of large gatherings. The law mandates that the costs of these campaigns be covered by the Union budget and has been sent to the President for sanction.

Both initiatives reflect a broader legislative push to address gender‑based violence in Brazil.