Brazil Faces Demands for Rights by Gays and Naturists

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 not recognised.


The demand followed the good news for Brazil’s naturists earlier in the week.  On Monday it was reported in the Estadão 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 Carnival) 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.

You May Also Like

Lines outside US consulates in Brazil are always long

It Never Took So Long: Brazilians Wait Up to 20 months to Get US Visa

Brazil currently ranks seventh among the nations with the longest waiting time to get ...

Lula and the masses - Photo: Ricardo Stuckert

Brazilians Can’t Decide: Half Want Lula as President and the Other Half Want Him in Jail

Half of Brazilians want former President Lula da Silva to win next year’s election ...

Lula talks to fans in Curitiba, Paraná - Ricardo Stuckert/Instituto Lula

Acquit Lula, Says Defense. There’s no Proof of Wrongdoing and Evidence of Innocence

The lack of evidence from the prosecution to convict former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio ...

Brazilian Army on a Rio slum - Vladimir Platonow/ABr

Army Back in Rio, This Time Taking Over the Security of the City

Brazil’s military has taken full control of security in Rio de Janeiro and the ...

Eletrobrás is on the block to be sold

Fire Sale: Dozens of Brazil Firms to Be Privatized Including Crown Jewel Eletrobrás

The government of Brazilian President Michel Temer says 57 public companies and airport terminals ...

A Brazilian postal worker separates the mail - Photo: EBC

Brazil Launches Online Service to Simplify Import of Goods

Brazil’s Postal Service and Federal Revenue launched this week, an online system named Minhas ...

The protesters' banner accuses Doria of being an enemy of the women

Women in the Streets Against a Brazilian Mayor with Presidential Ambitions

In Brazil, a group of women have been protesting at the city hall in ...

IMichel Temer, during interview to daily newpaper Estadão / Marcos Corrêa/PR

For Second Time, Brazil President Charged with Taking Bribes and Obstructing Justice

Brazilian President Michel Temer was charged with obstruction of justice and racketeering on Thursday, ...