Brazil Senate clash over Maria da Penha law sparks cross‑party backlash

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) described the Maria da Penha law as “just a piece of paper” during a party event, prompting a strong rebuke from government leader and senator Gleisi Hoffmann (PT). Hoffmann called the remarks ignorant and reiterated the law’s importance for protecting women against domestic and family violence.

First Lady Janja Lula da Silva publicly expressed solidarity with former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Senator Damares Alves, emphasizing that misogyny cuts across political affiliations. She highlighted recent threats made against Damares’s daughter and called for stronger institutional measures to address gender‑based violence.