Brazzil

Forget the headlines about the World Social Forum and Brazil’s effort to mediate in the diplomatic crisis between Colombia and Venezuela.  This week has been a good one for thousands of gay and naturist Brazilians, along with forró lovers around the country. 

Plenty of announcements were made, but the jury remains open on their outcome. On Thursday it was reported that one of Brazil’s prominent lawyers, João Gilberto Gonçalves Jr, has filed papers to enable civil authorities to carry out same sex marriages. 

The process, he believes, will make it easier for same sex couples to receive the same rights as those in heterosexual relationships, including inheritance, insurance benefits and pensions.

Although the Catholic Church is against the proposal, Gonçalves argued that there do not appear to be any constitutional restrictions.  The move, if successful, would follow the step made in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul last year, where civil unions are now recognised.

The demand followed the good news for Brazil’s naturists earlier in the week.  On Monday it was reported in the Estadão (the daily O Estado de S. Paulo) that the Senate will debate a law to legalise naturism when it returns to work next month. 

Its sponsor, congressman Fernando Gabreia, was first introduced back in 1996 and debated in the lower House four years ago.  If passed the law would enable naturism to be practiced on designated beaches, campsites, hotels and other specified places.

Meanwhile for those inclined toward the sounds of the Northeast, Luiza Erundina (PSB) has presented a request to make 13 December the National Day of Forró.  The date coincides with the birthday of Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento, one of the most important musicians of the genre.

While these measures may well have an impact on thousands of ordinary Brazilians’ lives, many foreign observers may well be nonplussed. 

For those who have visited the country (usually during Carnaval) and experienced its hedonistic side, the surprise will be that they are only being pushed forward now.

So that may well hold back those planning a trip to marry their long term partner in Rio or Salvador, or to seek out the nudist beaches of Brazil – at least for awhile.

Guy Burton was born in Brazil and now lives in London. He has written widely on Brazil both for Brazzil and on his blog, Para Inglês Ver, which can be read at http://guyburton.blogspot.com. He can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (8)

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Burton \'s Blog
written by Guest, January 21, 2005

His blog is amazing, taking little written about things or comments from local politicans or newspapers and blowing them out of proportion to get a reaction on this forum. First, just because a politican proposes something, there is very litle chance he will get it, the Brasilian congress is famous for "beating dead horses" and "beating them again". And it's not even a politican supporting a same sex union law, but a lawyer...yea right, I'm gonna hold my breath. Outside of Rio and maybe Sao Paulo, with a fight from the Catholic Church, who amazingly still wields some power here, and the new Evangelical Church, can you imagne same sex unions anytime soon? You may be surprised, but I think it is unfortunate that there will be no law anytime soon. As far as nude beaches...there are already lots of "unoffical" nude beaches were nudism is encouraged, so this is no big surprise. Many countries in the world including the US and Europe allow for Nude Resorts and Hotels. I can tell you one thing, if this happens, it will be adults only, none of these liberal 'feel good" resorts where teenaged and young children run around nude that are allowed in some "developed" countries. And finally on National Day of Forro, it's about time...just what we need, another day off work! Abracos.

Another fag!
written by Guest, January 22, 2005

Just anther fag trying to destroy marriage and traditional families.
Every genereations has these pests but the come and go without any significance or memories.

Can I joy the club???
written by Guest, January 24, 2005

Male looking for babes....Brazilian women are among the finest.

Canadian
written by Guest, January 28, 2005

Wow, looks like Guy touched a nerve. As for the "fag" comment, with most countries having divorce rates in the 50% range and with more children being raised in single parent or third parent homes than not, I would say that the marriage institution is already in trouble.
I don't get it: first gays were attacked for being promiscuous and being perverts, now that they want to settle down and be responsible citizens, they are being attacked for that, too.
In Canada, we are a few months away from having legalized gay marriage, which is already sanctioned in the three most powerful provinces (states). Most of Europe is going the same way, too.
The truth is, I just wish forward-thinking countries would just do it and get it over with so we can get on with more important news items, like child poverty, world AIDS and the war in Iraq.

\"Just another fag?\"
written by Guest, February 02, 2005

"Just anther fag trying to destroy marriage and traditional families," says some guest. I can make a list of things destroying marriage:
1. spouse abuse
2. child abuse
3. lack of real commitment to each other
4. drug abuse
5. dead beat dads
Etc... etc...
If you are worried about protecting marriage, tackle those issues first. Fags aren't your problem. You are you own problem!

gay
written by Guest, July 15, 2005

hey

very interesting
written by John, July 31, 2006

Very interesting,

My advice, for anyone who visit naturist sites from time to time, don't forget to delete cookies and images, before you leave the computer, or your wife/girlfriend might find them, lol!

I used to do it manually until it became too burdensome, then I looked for a software that does it and I recommend this Delete cookies tool

I wonder if there is any tool for keeping a folder of bookmarked sites secret! If anyone knows, please tell!

forgot the address
written by John, July 31, 2006

http://www.amicutilities.com/p...etecookies

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