The São Paulo Court of Justice (TJSP) prohibited the internal regulations of the Bauru City Council (SP) from forcing the president of the body to read the Bible at the opening of sessions. He should invoke “God’s protection” and leave a copy of the Catholic book on the table during the hearings.
The imposition was set out in Resolution No. 269 of the municipal body, according to which the sessions could only begin after the president declared that “under the protection of God, we begin our work” and read a verse from the Bible.
The action was filed by the Attorney General of the State of São Paulo, Mário Luiz Sarrubbo, in November 2023. According to him, the procedure is unconstitutional, because it is an affront to the principle of secularism of the State established by the Federal Constitution.
The prosecutor emphasized that the intention is not to prohibit any religious manifestation, but to ensure that the State does not behave as if it had an official religion, which would be disrespectful to other beliefs.
In the decision handed down last Wednesday (17), the Court stated that the State must remain neutral regarding religion, ensuring that all religions receive “equal and equal” treatment.
Reaction
A CNN the Bauru City Council informed that it has not yet been notified by the TJSP about the decision, but that it will comply with the court order and will temporarily suspend the effectiveness of the section of the regulations in question.
In a post on social media, councilor Junior Rodrigues (PSD), president of the municipal body, expressed “sadness” over what happened, and stated that the house, once notified, will appeal the TJSP's decision.
According to the councilor, this practice is “historical”, “legitimate” and does not insult or harm other religions.
“In the Federal Constitution we have the mention of the name of God, right at the beginning!”, he highlighted.
*Under the supervision of André Rigue
Source: CNN Brasil
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