Moises de Jesus Lima faces charges for alleged homophobic remarks

A judge in São Paulo has accepted a complaint against Moises de Jesus Lima, a pastor and former deputy government secretary of Nova Odessa, for alleged homophobic remarks. The prosecution alleges that during a meeting on January 17, 2025, Lima stated the city required prayer because an “out gay man” had taken leadership of the Municipal Chamber.

The complaint, filed by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office, specifically identifies Lucas Camargo Donato, the newly appointed general director of the Chamber at the time, as the subject of the remarks. Judge Melina Alonso Scherma Locatelli ruled that there is evidence of authorship and that the criminal circumstances are sufficiently described in the case files.

Following the incident, a Special Commission of Inquiry was established, and Lima was subsequently dismissed from his position as deputy secretary. In response to the charges, Lima has denied the allegations, claiming he is a victim of “religious and political persecution” and asserting that he has always maintained a good relationship with Donato.