Brazilian Chamber Commission approves legislative updates on terminology and disability rights

The Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJ) of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved two legislative measures aimed at improving public administration and protecting vulnerable groups.

One approved project prohibits the use of the term ‘elephantiasis’ in official public administration documents. The legislation mandates the use of ‘filariasis’ or ‘advanced lymphedema’ to describe the parasitic disease. If governments fail to adopt the new terminology within 90 days of the law's publication, the non-compliant documents must be archived.

Additionally, the CCJ approved Project of Law 3728/21, which amends the Maria da Penha Law to ensure accessible services for women with disabilities who are victims of domestic and family violence. The measure requires that police, judicial, and forensic services provide inclusive assistance through Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), Braille, or other assistive technologies to prevent communication barriers from hindering legal proceedings or causing further trauma.