The lawyer Rita Galvão, chairman of the Black Slavery Truth Commission in Brazil of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/MG (Brazilian Bar Association in Minas Gerais) reported on social networks that she was prevented from accessing the Belo Horizonte Special Criminal Court on TJMG building on Tuesday (6), for using a turban on her head.
In a video posted by lawyer, which has over 3,000 and 700 views, Rita reports what happened.
“When passing the metal detector one of the outsourced company’s security guards called me and said ‘you can’t get in, stay with the turban.’ I promptly told this security that I wouldn’t remove the turban, that I was there in the exercise of my profession and even if it was for religious reasons, that it could not be happening.”
According to Rita, security had understood the situation but reported to the superiors because there was a colleague who was charging her a more incisive attitude.
After contacting some people from the court, Rita can access the building but made a formal complaint to OAB.
In a video published on the profile of the OAB MG on social networks, Gustavo Chalfun, president of the Order in MG, said stating that the episode is “inadmissible.”
“I’m going through to inform every law firm, Dr. Rita Galvao, and all” Rites “who suffer any kind of prejudice, whether in professional practice or in their daily lives, that the OAB of Minas Gerais will be attentive and vigilant to any kind of prejudice or racism.” Declared
Chalfun also added that “the turban is a symbol of ancestry and identity, and also why not resistance? OAB Minas repudiate vehemently and will take all measures so that cases like these are not repeated.”
On the morning of Wednesday (07) Minas Gerais Court of Justice (TJMG) commented by means of a note.
“The Court has already established a procedure for the rigorous investigation of the facts and points out that it guides its teams about respect for diversity. Finally, the Court of Justice calls for public excuses for the occurrence and pledges to work even more to reinforce the importance of educational actions that clarify its internal audience, leading it to the importance of respect for Afro-Brazilian culture and identity.”, Says an excerpt from the note.
Lawyer Rita Galvão also published a call on social networks for a mobilization that should happen on the afternoon of Wednesday (07) at 14h, in front of the Special Criminal Court of Belo Horizonte.
“The turban is not just an accessory, it is a symbol of identity, resistance and ancestry. Preventing the access of a black woman to a public space because of her clothing is an affront to fundamental rights and cultural diversity. We invite all and all who are outraged with racism to join us in this mobilization.
See the full TJMG note:
“The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais became aware, on Tuesday night (6/5), of the fact reported by lawyer Rita de Cássia Galvão. The lawyer accessed the Belo Horizonte Special Criminal Court building and participated in a hearing in the 1st Criminal Jurisdictional Unit, related to the process 5067464-70.2025.8.13.0024, without the need to withdraw from any other garbante which was wearing the Court of Justice has already instituted procedure for the rigorous investigation of the facts and points out that it guides its teams about respect for diversity. Safe, respectful and welcoming spaces for all citizens. The Court of Justice, the Court of Justice asks and pledges to work even more to reinforce the importance of educational actions that clarify its internal audience, leading it to the importance of respect for Afro-Brazilian culture and identity, in order to combat racism and deconstruct prejudice, valuing diversity. ”
This content was originally published in a lawyer is prevented from entering TJMG for using turban on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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