Electoral Public Ministry advises churches in Rondônia against political propaganda

The Electoral Public Ministry has issued a recommendation to religious entities in Rondônia, Brazil, advising against the promotion of electoral propaganda for candidates or political parties within their spaces. The guidance instructs religious leaders to ensure that worship services and other religious activities are not used for electioneering.

Under Brazilian election law, political parties and candidates are prohibited from receiving donations from religious or charitable entities. Furthermore, the use of religious temples for electoral propaganda is forbidden. Violations regarding the use of such assets can result in fines ranging from R$ 2,000 to R$ 8,000.

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) maintains that using churches for political promotion constitutes a deviation of purpose that impacts election impartiality. Such actions can lead to the revocation of a candidate's diploma and render those involved ineligible for office. Regional Electoral Prosecutor Leonardo Caberlon noted that religious freedom is not an absolute right in this context.