Brazilian Chamber Speeds Up Misogyny Bill to Plenary

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies voted to accelerate a bill that would treat misogyny as a crime comparable to racism, bypassing committee review and moving directly to a floor vote. The measure passed with 293 votes in favor and 158 against.

Opposition came mainly from evangelical and Catholic deputies, who warned that the text could threaten religious freedom and freedom of expression. The bill’s sponsor, deputy Tabata Amaral, is working on a revised wording to address those concerns. Provisions in the draft would criminalise insults against women with penalties of two to five years’ imprisonment, fines, and possible suspension of online accounts that disseminate misogynistic content. Enhanced penalties are outlined for offences committed by multiple persons, against minors, the elderly, or disabled, and for motives seeking economic advantage or using significant public influence.