In an interview with CNN Radio on CNN No Plural, criminal lawyer Fayda Belo stated that the way to combat religious intolerance passes through basic education in schools.
The expert pointed out that Brazil is a secular state and there is a solid clause in the Constitution that states that every citizen has the right to choose their own religion, without being discriminated against.
Even so, Fayda reinforces that racism – whether racial or religious – is a “monstrously perfect crime in Brazil.”
Especially with regard to religions of African origins.
“Since 2003 there has been a law that all schools must include African culture and religion in their annual teaching plan, but it is not applied,” he said.
She states that the repressive law, the crime in fact, gains attention, but “we are going to run in circles”: “It is necessary to go to the base, in education, so that the child understands that others who do not have the same religion as hers do not It means she is bad.”
Religious insult x religious racism
The lawyer also explained the difference between religious insult and religious racism.
“The injury is when I offend someone’s dignity as a result of religion, now religious racism is the aversion against a religion itself, and usually the victims are from religions of African origin”, he added.
Fayda believes it is important to report this type of crime, as “public policy programs” are created according to numbers and data.
“The more data, the more chances that programs that reject evil will be carried out.”
*With production by Isabel Campos
Source: CNN Brasil
