Brazilian court ruling on religious autism discourse

Overview

A court in Pará, Brazil, has ordered Pastor Washington Luís Araújo Almeida of the Assembly of God church to pay R$ 50,000 in collective moral damages. The ruling stems from a July 2024 sermon in which Almeida claimed that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was caused by the devil targeting the wombs of unprotected women.

The Court of Justice of Pará (TJPA) determined that religious freedom does not permit discriminatory manifestations that reinforce prejudices against people with disabilities. The prosecution characterized the remarks as demonstrating “insensitivity, unpreparedness, prejudice, and ignorance.”

In his defense, Almeida admitted his words were “inadequate” and stated he had no intention to discriminate, noting that he has since issued apologies and taken courses regarding ASD. The fine will be directed to a public health fund dedicated to supporting patients with autism.

Entities

Tucuruí · Assembly of God · Luzia Guimarães Nascimento · Pará · Court of Justice of Pará

Timeline

1 day ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
Pará Court Condemns Pastor for Discriminatory Autism Comments
A court in Pará, Brazil, has ordered a pastor to pay R$ 50,000 in damages after he falsely associated autism with demonic influence.
4 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
Brazilian pastor ordered to pay R$ 50,000 for linking autism to the devil
A Brazilian court ordered Pastor Washington Almeida to pay R$ 50,000 in damages after he claimed autism is caused by the devil targeting unprotected families.

Sources

actualidad.rt.com · anda.jor.br · atarde.com.br · brasilemfolhas.com.br · carajasojornal.com.br · imprensapublica.com.br · osul.com.br · valor.globo.com