Recife City Council debate turns hostile over religious heritage bill

A debate regarding a proposed bill in the Recife City Council escalated into personal insults and accusations of religious intolerance. The dispute occurred during a session discussing Bill No. 147/2026, authored by Councilwoman Jô Cavalcanti (PSOL), which seeks to establish April 25 as the Municipal Day of Mestra Ritinha.

The proposal aims to honor Mestra Ritinha, a spiritual entity in the Jurema Sagrada tradition, recognizing her cultural and historical importance to Recife while promoting religious diversity. During the debate, Cavalcanti directed insults at Councilman Thiago Medina (PL), calling him a “racistinha de merda” and “fascistinha de merda.”

Medina opposed the bill, labeling it “garbage” and questioning the priority of such a tribute compared to municipal needs like medicine and school supplies. He also expressed opposition to recognizing Jurema Sagrada as intangible cultural heritage. Cavalcanti responded by stating that Medina’s criticisms went beyond political disagreement, accusing him of attacking the faith and associating Jurema Sagrada beliefs with the devil.